US hopes nations keep troops in Iraq past June 30

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N23677340.htm

WASHINGTON, April 23 (Reuters) - Faced with an eroding military coalition, the United States said on Friday it hoped several nations would keep their troops in Iraq past their July deadline for withdrawal.

But Norway immediately rejected the appeal, indicating its 180 troops would leave after an interim Iraqi government takes power June 30.

Three countries announced this month they are pulling out their troops, totaling roughly 2,000, in the face of worsening violence. And the coalition could crumble further because several nations have committed only to staying until the U.S. occupiers transfer power to the Iraqi government.

In interviews with media from coalition countries on Friday, Secretary of State Colin Powell said he hoped Norway, the Netherlands and El Salvador, who have almost 2,000 troops in Iraq, would stay longer than planned.

more