Fed: Govt signals Aust troops will be in Iraq for another year

AAP General News (Australia)
04-12-2004
Fed: Govt signals Aust troops will be in Iraq for another year

The federal government has given its clearest signal yet that Australia will keep troops
in Iraq at least for another year.

Defence Minister ROBERT HILL says it's now unlikely RAAF air traffic controllers, who'd
been expected to return home next month, will be removed.

Soldiers being used to protect Australian diplomats will also be needed for longer than expected.

Labor has promised to bring the troops home by Christmas, and has demanded the government
set out an exit strategy.

SENATOR HILL says the ongoing battles in Iraq were a surprise and he didn't think it'd
be as bad as it is.

AAP RTV sw/lm/wz/jo

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST (CANBERRA)

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