Powell Urges Coalition Leaders to Keep Troops in Iraq

[Cannikin]

WASHINGTON (AP) - Secretary of State Colin Powell said Tuesday the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq remains strong despite decisions by Spain and Honduras to pull out their troops.
Powell told reporters that leaders of 13 coalition countries with whom he spoke by telephone Monday and Tuesday "all expressed steadfast support" for their respective troop commitments.

"I think coalition members know they are doing important, vital work for the Iraqi people, for the region and for peace in the world," Powell said after a meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini.

Powell said Italian troops in Iraq "are serving nobly." He said he was disappointed that the Spanish and Honduran governments will withdraw their troops.
http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGADS4FJATD.html