In a keynote speech at University College London, Kwasniewski said that sending Polish forces to join the US-led coalition occupying Iraq was the toughest decision of his life.

"We will accomplish the mission. Polish soldiers will not be pulled out of Iraq," he said.

But he added: "They will not stay longer than is necessary".

Poland has 2,500 troops in Iraq, and commands a multinational contingent of 6,500 troops in the region south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

Earlier this week, before his departure for London, Kwasniewski ruled out a withdrawal of Polish troops, saying replacements were already on standby for those whose tour of duty ends in the coming months.

But he also hinted that Warsaw might reduce its deployment if the United Nations were to take over responsibility for security in Iraq.

Last week Polish Defense Minister Jerzy Szmajdzinski said his country wanted to significantly draw down its troop presence in Iraq after elections expected in early 2005.

Kwasniewski arrived in London earlier Wednesday for a three-day state visit as the guest of Queen Elizabeth II, underscoring the importance that Britain attaches to Poland as a valuable partner in eastern Europe.

He was to hold talks Thursday with Prime Minister Tony Blair, with their agenda dominated by Iraq and efforts to finalise a constitution for the European Union.

Poland was the biggest of the 10 nations which acceeded to the EU last weekend.

WAR.WIRE