AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2004
Fed: Spain's pull-out gives heart to insurgents: PM
Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD has attacked Spain's decision to withdraw its troops from
Iraq and brushed aside suggestions that Australian troops may be sent to fill the gap.
Mr HOWARD has told reporters at Traralgon in eastern Victoria that Spain has made a mistake.
He says Spain's decision will give heart to those people who are trying to delay the
emergence of a free and democratic Iraq.
Spanish Prime Minister JOSE LUIS RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO has ordered his country's 1,400
troops in Iraq to come home as soon as possible.
He's made the announcement on television a day after being sworn in as prime minister
following his Socialist party's upset victory in last month's general election -- held
in the shadow of the Madrid train bombings.
Mr HOWARD says he's received no request for Australian forces to replace Spanish troops.
He also says it's impossible to set a date for the withdrawal of Australian troops.
AAP RTV apw/szp/dk/lm/rp
KEYWORD: IRAQ SPAIN HOWARD (TRARALGON) WITH AUDIO
2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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