Fed: Coalition not unravelling, says Howard

AAP General News (Australia)
04-21-2004
Fed: Coalition not unravelling, says Howard

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD has denied the coalition of the willing in Iraq is unravelling
in the face of lethal opposition.

Honduras and The Dominican Republic have followed Spain's decision to immediately withdraw
its troops from the strife-torn nation.

And senior Thai officials have raised concerns about the security situation in southern
Iraq and its possible impact on their mission.

Mr HOWARD's told Melbourne radio 3AW the coalition is holding together, but the departures
will make it harder for those who are left.

However, he says Australia isn't going to cut and run.

The Prime Minister says Australia hasn't been asked to send more troops and isn't planning
to do so.

AAP RTV dep/sw/mj/rt/rp

KEYWORD: IRAQ TROOPS AUST (CANBERRA) WITH AUDIO

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.