February 22, 2005 - 3:45 AM

Australia to send extra 450 troops to Iraq

CANBERRA (Reuters) - Australia will send an extra 450 military troops to Iraq following a decision by the Netherlands to
withdraw 1,400 troops from the region, Prime Minister John Howard has said.

Howard said on Tuesday the task force would be based in southern Iraq and would provide security for Japanese
engineering and support forces, as well as play a major role in training Iraqi forces.

"The prime minister of Japan, Junichiro Koizumi, telephoned me last Friday night and, amongst other things, invited and
requested this Australian contribution," Howard told a news conference.

Australia, which sent troops to the war on Iraq, currently has about 880 personnel in and around Iraq.

Howard said the transition to democracy in Iraq was crucial for the country and for the Middle East.