A delegation from the Italian "Stop the War" coalition, humanitarian organisations and trade unions, including the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) recently visited Baghdad at the invitation of the IFTU.
Women workers at a Baghdad cardboard box factory meet the Italian delegation
Fabio Alberti, a member of the Italian delegation thanked the IFTU for giving them the opportunity to get to know Iraqi civil society better. Both the activities and points of view of Iraqi trade unionists on the current situation in Iraq were the subject of much interesting and informative discussion with members of the Italian delegation. 
Gian Franco Benzi, CGIL International Officer meets IFTU members in the factory
There is a great need for organisations of civil society to maintain and reinforce the links between Iraqi trade unions, womens organisations and the international peace and labour movement. The Italian delegation confirmed it's wish to meet the IFTU again in the near future.
IFTU officers including the second Vice President Mahal Hardan and General Secretary Subhi Ali Mashadani meet with members of the Italian delegation including Gian Franco Benzi, CGIL International Officer