The death of a veteran secret service agent has overshadowed Italy's joy over the rescue of journalist Giuliana Sgrena. Nicola Calipari, the agent who negotiated the correspondent's release, was gunned down by US soldiers shortly after. The US military have said that Calipari's car was speeding as it approached a checkpoint and that, after warning signals, they fired towards the vehicle. There were two other agents in the vehicle, and it was 51-year-old Calipari who tried to shield Sgrena with his body. On Sunday, Calipari's remains were transported to Italy and were met by a guard of honour, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and the country's President, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. A state funeral is scheduled to take place on Monday.

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