Fed: Aust troops to remain in Iraq until their jobs are done: PM

AAP General News (Australia)
08-02-2004
Fed: Aust troops to remain in Iraq until their jobs are done: PM

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says Australian military air traffic controllers have finished
their work at Baghdad International Airport and most will return home.

But he says the rest of Australia's troops will remain in Iraq until their work is complete.

The Royal Australian Air Force team handed control of the airport over to a group of
Iraqis yesterday after more than a year controlling its air traffic.

Mr HOWARD has told ABC radio six of the 60-strong Air Force team will stay in Iraq
and work with American troops at a military airfield.

He says he stands by the government's plan to extend Australia's troop presence in
Iraq by six months, to allow for training on Iraq's new army and police force.

Australian Air Force Brigadier PETER HUTCHINSON has told the ABC yesterday's handover
put Iraqis back in control of their country's airspace.

AAP RTV bt/sb/ajc/jmt

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST HOWARD (CANBERRA)

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