Posted on 06/11/2004 2:44:42 PM PDT by knighthawk
THE HAGUE, Netherlands - The Dutch Cabinet decided Friday to extend the stay of its 1,400 troops in Iraq for eight months to help safeguard the transfer of sovereignty and elections due next January.
The decision was made possible after the U.N. Security Council adopted a unanimous resolution on Tuesday backing the transfer of full sovereignty to Iraqi authorities, ending the U.S.-led occupation.
A small coalition partner, D-66, then agreed to the extension of the troops' mandate, which expires July 15.
A government statement said the troops would stay in Iraq at least through March 2005 to "contribute to stability in Iraq up to and after the elections."
Defense Minister Henk Kamp said he did not expect the mandate to be extended again, although there could be flexibility of "a few days."
"Eight months is eight months," and the forces will not stay beyond April, he told a news conference following the weekly Cabinet meeting.
Dutch troops could be pulled out early if they are asked by the Iraqi government to leave, if the local population turns against them, or if the security situation deteriorates significantly, Kamp said.
The Dutch forces are "aware and prepared for the possibility of more attacks" by insurgents before the transfer of power to Iraqi forces later this month, he said.
One Dutch soldier has been killed in action since the battalion first arrived in July 2003 in southern Iraq. The Dutch bases also have come under mortar fire in recent months, although no one has been injured in those attacks.
The Cabinet said it was responding to a request by the newly appointed Iraqi prime minister, Iyad Allawi, for the U.S.-led coalition forces to remain in Iraq to support the election process. Allawi's appeal was underscored by requests from the United Nations and Britain, it said.
"The government is fully aware of the risks this operation poses for Dutch soldiers," the statement said, adding that the risk was justified "in view of the importance of the operation."
Man, David Gregory is gonna be deeply saddened...
I do not think that there as mcuh doubt about this outcome. God bless the Dutch. They have proved to be loyal and steadfast allies.
Thanks, Dutchmen.
Ping
Thank you knighthawk.
We will remember this ....:-)
They get it.
Kerry said we have no international support? I guess in Kerry's mind the Dutch, Brits, Aussies, etc..are just a figment of our imaginations?
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