Petersen inclined to extend Iraq support (Norwegian troops)

Foreign Minister Jan Petersen is more positive to extending Norway's military commitment to the rebuilding of Iraq after a surprise secret visit to troops in the field. After a day seeing things first-hand in Basra, Petersen was convinced that the soldiers are doing an important, humanitarian job in Iraq.

Foreign Minister Jan Petersen, (center, with helmet) being shown round operations in Basra by Major John Otto Pettersen (right).

Wearing a helmet and bullet-proof vest, Petersen was flown in a military helicopter from Kuwait to Basra, where Norway's 150-man force is operating under British command.

The trip made an impression on the foreign minister, and he admitted he thought the mission should be continued.

The continued presence of Norwegian troops will hinge on several factors; whether or not Iraqis achieve sovereignty after June 30, as well as the amount of financial support the operation eventually receives from the revised national budget.

"If the government does not pass new resolutions then the Norwegian participation comes to a halt. I don't wish to comment now on what is most likely," Petersen said.

Petersen observed clearance of land mines and Norwegian soldiers irrigating small rivers that had become completely clogged during Saddam Hussein's rule.

"If you ask me personally, I don't want to go back on July 15. And my men don't either, this is more than just a bit meaningful," said Second Lieutenant Kristian Egeland about the project that can bring agricultural independence to regional farmers.

Controversy has stormed around Norway's troops in Iraq, with critics saying its main role was as part of the occupation force and that purely military defensive tasks prevented them from carrying out humanitarian aid.

The current force in Iraq is Norway's second contingent, and though they are carrying out their tasks they are still greatly occupied with self-defense.

"I feel that we do slightly more humanitarian work (than defense) and would say 60-40 if you asked for a percentage," said Colonel Thor Helge Moen.

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2 posted on 04/02/2004 6:20:59 AM PST by Support Free Republic (Freepers post from sun to sun, but a fundraiser bot's work is never done.)

The norwegian PM stated that the attacks in Madrid made it more likely that the Norwegian mission would be extended, not withdrawn.

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