Fed: Howard admits he does not know when troops can return

AAP General News (Australia)
04-14-2004
Fed: Howard admits he does not know when troops can return

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says he doesn't know when Australian troops will return from Iraq.

Mr HOWARD says Australian Defence Force personnel training Iraqis would have to remain
in the strife-torn country until their job was done.

He's told reporters he doesn't know when that will be but says the troops won't stay
longer than they are needed.

Mr HOWARD's also criticised Opposition Leader MARK LATHAM saying his policy to bring
home all troops by Christmas puts him at odds with both US President GEORGE W. BUSH and
his presidential rival, Democrat JOHN KERRY.

BUSH and KERRY today pledged to stay in Iraq for as long as it took to usher in a new
era of democracy.

Mr BUSH today signalled he's ready to increase American troop strength in the country
and that he will stick to a deadline of June the 30th for handing over political power
to Iraqis.

AAP RTV mfh/sw/swe

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST (CANBERRA)

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