Australian Prime Minister John Howard on Tuesday warned that an early withdrawal of Australian troops from Iraq could damage Australia's alliance with the United States.

Howard told the ruling coalition MPs and senators that he does not believe Australia should abandon the United States, Australia's most important ally, at this crucial phase of the Iraq war.

"I do not believe this country should abandon America at this time," Howard said.

"The alliance would be judged by the fidelity of its partners in times of trial," he said.

A ruling coalition spokesman said later that "The prime minister did say that an American defeat in Iraq would be very bad for western prestige."

"The prime minister said he feels very strongly about this and as much as he shuffles about, (Labor leader Kevin) Rudd is advocating walking out on America," the spokesman said.

Australia's major opposition party, the Labor party, has pledged to discuss an exit strategy with the United States immediately upon winning government in the federal election later this year.

This came ahead of a visit by U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney to Australia later this month to thank the nation and Australian troops in particular for the job they have done in the Middle East.

Australia, a staunch supporter of the U.S.-led war on terror, currently maintains around 1,400 troops in the Middle East, including 800 based inside Iraq.

Source: Xinhua