U.S. – Australia Relations

U.S. Welcomes Australia's Decision to Increase Forces in Iraq

Washington, D.C. — 23 February 2005

Decision result of requests by United Kingdom and Japan (180)

State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher praised Australia's decision to send additional ground forces to Iraq.

In a statement released February 23, Boucher said this new Australian contribution will assist Iraq's transition to a secure democracy.

Following is the text of Boucher's statement:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

For Immediate Release
February 23, 2005
2005/231

Statement by Richard Boucher, Spokesman

Australia: Decision To Increase Forces In Iraq

The United States welcomes Australia's decision to send an additional 450 ground forces to Iraq to provide protection for multinational reconstruction efforts and to train Iraqi security forces. This Australian decision came as a result of requests by the governments of the United Kingdom and Japan.

The new Australian contribution, which adds to the positive momentum generated by Iraq's national elections on January 30, will assist Iraq's transition to a secure democracy.

Australia continues to demonstrate that it is willing to make difficult and courageous choices to promote democracy and combat terrorism around the world.

(end text)

Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site:http://usinfo.state.gov

Original document from Washington Hyperfile [EPF304].

Last update Monday, 19 November 2007