Britain leaves door open to sending more troops to Iraq

LONDON (AFP) Apr 26, 2004
Britain left open the prospect of sending more troops to Iraq to fill the gap left by departing Spanish forces, saying Monday it was discussing the possibility with coalition partners.

"The position in Iraq is kept under constant review," a Ministry of Defence spokesman told AFP in London.

"In the light of the recent events, including the anticipated departure of the Spanish contingent, we are in discussions with coalition partners, but no decisions have been taken."

Some 8,700 British troops now are in Iraq, concentrated in the oil-rich southern region which takes in the country's second city Basra.

The Times newspaper reported Monday that Prime Minister Tony Blair's government was mapping out "a highly complex series of options" that could see more British troops in Iraq once the 1,300-strong Spanish contingent departs.

"They range from sending another 1,500 to 2,000 troops to fill the gaps left by the Spanish, to taking over command of a second multinational division in central-south Iraq," it said.

The latter option, The Times added, "would significantly raise Britain's military and political stake in the country", with London seeking to exert greater influence over security in Iraq.

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