Diggers to stay in Iraq

JPAU18MAY03DH07
Date taken:18MAY03
Pic by: Darren Hilder

Caption: Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) troop commander, Lieutenant Justin Back, scanning a Baghdad street .

In front of him is one of three ASLAVS, from the Darwin based 2nd Cavalry Regiment, that are now on patrol in Baghdad with the 2nd Battalion.

The ASLAV troop and 2nd Battalion are also providing support to the Australian National Headquarters (Baghdad), and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade during the restructuring phase within Iraq.

Australia to take up new Iraq role
February 20, 2005
From: AAP
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12312690-2,00.html

AUSTRALIA had never ruled out sending more troops to Iraq, Defence Minister Robert Hill said today.
Senator Hill said now was not the time to consider winding down Australia's commitment to the strife-torn country, following the first democratic elections in decades.

Australia is about to take its most senior role in the conflict, taking command of the naval force at the northern end of the Gulf, protecting oil rigs and deterring smugglers.
"We've never ruled out more troops but they are decisions that government takes in the circumstances of our ongoing evaluation," Senator Hill said on ABC TV's Insiders program.
"For the moment, we are going to take over command of the naval force at the northern end of the Gulf. This will be at a higher level of command than we've ever held before so that's a contribution of reinforcement in a way.

"We are also about to start training Iraqis in managing the logistics supply for their defence force."
Senator Hill said the election result showed that the Iraqi people relished the opportunity to determine their own future through the ballot box.

"Now they need the continuing support of the international community to be able to consolidate that," he added.
"They don't want the international force any longer than is necessary, but they know that they're not able to provide for their own security through this process of transition without the help of an international force.

"Our position is that the international community should seize the moment and the momentum created through the election and be locking in the support for the mass of the Iraq people that really want an opportunity for freedom and democracy and the chance to live a better life."

Senator Hill said it was impossible to calculate the number of civilian deaths in Iraq since coalition forces invaded in March 2003, but all efforts had been made to minimise civilian casualties.