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Bush's plan 'calm, realistic'
11/01/2007 10:38 - (SA)
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| President Bush addresses the nation from the White House library. (APTN, AP) |
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Tokyo - US President George W Bush's announcement of a boost in American troops in Iraq won quick support on Thursday from US allies as a crucial step toward stabilising the country and battling terrorism.
The leaders of South Korea, Australia and Japan - all longtime supporters of the US-led mission in Iraq - pledged continued political backing and material help to the beleaguered war effort.
"If America retreats in Iraq, then that has enormous consequences for the stability of the Middle East and it will also be an enormous boost to terrorism in our part of the world," Australian Prime Minister John Howard said in Sydney.
Howard, whose country has 1 300 troops in and around Iraq, called Bush's plan to boost the US presence by more than 20 000 troops "very clear, calm and above all, realistic".
He also praised Bush's acceptance of responsibility for the lack of success in the fight so far.
Bush talked to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun by telephone before his announcement, officials said.
Both countries host large numbers of American troops and have contributed forces to Iraq.
Japanese foreign minister Taro Aso said Tokyo would continue its humanitarian air support and loans to Baghdad for reconstruction.
"I strongly hope that the US efforts toward the stability in Iraq and reconstruction will proceed effectively and bring good results," Aso said. "Japan will continue to closely communicate and co-operate with the US."
Japan withdrew its 600 non-combat ground troops from southern Iraq last year, but has continued air support and Abe has made firm support for Bush a cornerstone of his foreign policy since taking office in September.
Roh, the South Korean president, also expressed support for the new policy, his office said.
The South Korean president "said he understood the background of the comprehensive US policies and expressed support for President Bush's endeavour to bring about stability and reconstruction in Iraq," his office said.
South Korea has 2 300 troops in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil to support the US-led reconstruction of Iraq. Seoul's current contribution of forces makes it Washington's biggest coalition partner after Britain.
Seoul plans to withdraw 1 100 troops by April, and parliament has instructed the administration to devise a full pull-out plan during 2007.
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