US Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Tuesday that the US-led coalition in Iraq remained strong despite the decision by Spain and Honduras to withdraw troops from Iraq.

"I have talked to many coalition leaders over the last 48 hours.And we of course are disappointed that Spain and Honduras felt it necessary to withdraw their troops, but that is their sovereign decision. But all of the others I have spoken to have expressed steadfast support, and I will be talking to more ministers," Powell said after meeting with visiting Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini.

"The coalition remains strong because I think the coalition members know that they are doing important, vital work for the Iraqi people, for the region, and for peace in the world," Powell said.

Spain and Honduras, with 1,300 and 370 troops respectively in Iraq, have said they would withdraw their troops from Iraq as soonas possible.

The expected withdrawal of Spanish and Honduran troops from Iraq will surely deal a blow to the US-led coalition as the violence in Iraq has been escalating and the casualties among coalition troops rising.

Over 100 US soldiers have been killed in Iraq this month, the deadliest month for US troops since the Iraq war.

Source: Xinhua