Australian opposition leader opposes sending more trainers to Iraq

Australia's Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd on Monday said he does not support sending more Australian military trainers to Iraq.

His statements came after Australian Prime Minister John Howard said earlier Monday that Australia could send more trainers to Iraq to help build the skills of the Iraqi security forces.

Howard also reiterated that it would be a disaster if the United States and its allies pulled out of Iraq now.

Rudd said the policy of the Labor party, Australia's main opposition party, is all combat forces should return home.

"Our policy on Iraq is clear cut, our troops have been there for four years now and our policy is our combat forces should come home," Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio quoted him as saying.

There have been allegations that U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney, who will visit Australia later this week, will discuss what Australia may be able to do to enhance its commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan after the United States decided to send more than 20,000 troops to the Middle East.

However, Howard said that Cheney is unlikely to ask Australia to send more combat troops to Iraq.

"As far as combat troops are concerned I think the current level is appropriate and I don't expect Australia to be increasing that and I don't expect a specific request from the (U.S.) vice- president," Howard told the Nine Network television earlier Monday.

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