Bush congratulates Italy's Prodi, after delay

SAN JOSE, Calif., Apr 21 (Reuters) President George W Bush congratulated Italy's election victor Romano Prodi today, after putting it off while his Iraq war ally, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, contested the vote.

Bush made the phone call while flying aboard Air Force One on a cross-country flight to California.

''The president said he looks forward to working with him, and looked forward to seeing him again soon. And the prime minister-elect expressed his appreciation for the call,'' White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.

''Italy is a valued ally and good partner.'' Bush had put off congratulating Prodi because Berlusconi was contesting the close April 9-10 vote. A Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday confirmed Prodi had won.

Reuters PG VP0245