Berlusconi wins confidence vote
ROME, Italy (CNN) -- Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has won a confidence vote in the lower house of Italian parliament.
The result of Wednesday's vote was vote 334 to 240. He faces a similar vote in the Italian Senate on Thursday.
Berlusconi resigned last week from his post, but was asked by Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi to form a new government and retain the prime ministership.
Berlusconi's popularity has declined recently as the country's economy has slipped and opposition to Italian involvement in the U.S.-led war in Iraq has increased.
Berlusconi, a staunch ally of U.S. President George Bush, said last month Italy's 3,000 troops in Iraq may begin a partial withdrawal this fall.
The country's contingent is the third-largest force among U.S. allies in Iraq, behind Britain and South Korea. Twenty-eight Italians have died in the conflict -- 21 military personnel, six civilians and one intelligence officer.
Berlusconi's coalition also has endured defeats in recent regional elections -- prompting the Union of Christian Democrats, a coalition member, to quit the government.
The coalition is the 59th Italian government since 1949, but the longest-serving in modern times. Its five-year term was not due to end until 2006
