Denmark Plans for Larger Role in Iraq

Bulgarian News Network ^ | April 22, 2004

[ambrose]

16:09 - 22.04.2004

Denmark Plans for Larger Role in Iraq

COPENHAGEN(BGNES)- Denmark's 510 troops could expand their role in Iraq, the Danish army said on Thursday in a boost to the U.S.-led coalition being abandoned by other allies in the face of violence.

Under the army plan, Denmark's 510 troops already based in southern Iraq would begin sharing control also around Basra -- in cooperation with British troops there.

Army spokesman Christian Soerensen said the plan would be presented to Defence Minister Svend Aage Jensby on Thursday.

"It's still something we're considering at the moment, but our decision will depend entirely on how the situation in southern Iraq develops in the near future," the spokesman said.

"If there is an escalation similar to what we have seen in the north, then that will make it very difficult to increase our presence."

Suicide bombers killed 73 people -- 17 of them children -- in blasts on Wednesday in and around Basra. They were the bloodiest attacks in British-controlled Basra since the start of the U.S.-led occupation a year ago.

Denmark's plans -- and those of Poland announced on Thursday to stay in Iraq until January -- stand in stark contrast to announcements by Spain, Honduras and the Dominican Republic that they will withdraw their troops in the face of surging violence.

"This signal is very much in line with the government's policy on Iraq, stressing the commitment to the coalition and the build-up of postwar Iraq," Anders Wivel, a professor of International Relations at Copenhagen University, said.

Opinion polls show a majority of Danes support government policy and unlike in many other coalition countries there has been little debate in Denmark on whether to pull out of Iraq.

Last month Foreign Minister Per Stig Moeller said Denmark, if invited, would keep its troops in Iraq after the U.S. returns sovereignty to the country on July 1.

/Reuters /bnn/

[ambrose]

Tom Daschle is saddened.

[clee1]

Tom Daschle is saddened.

Cowards are always saddened when people of conscience stand up for whats right.

[Wallaby]

bttt

[MEG33]

Thank you Denmark.

[Eurotwit]

I am very proud of the Danes.

They have proven themselves to be true friends of the US, and what is the most heartening of all is that the Danish people fully support their government.

The Danes I believe has also been very cooperative with the US over the missile shield initiative with reagards to Greenland.

PC seemed to haved died in Denmark a couple of years ago, as the muslims were running rampant gang raping and threatening jews.

Go Denmark!

BTW: I have still not found anything on the Norwegian withdrawal in Norwegian media. As far as I know, this is an issue that is yet to be decided in parliment. The initial mandate expires June 30, and has to be renewed by the parliment for the stay to be extended.

Cheers.

[MEG33]

I am hoping for the best in Norway but aware of your belief the Parliament won't go for it.Hanson's long essay is worth the read.

[samtheman]

I have some good friends in Denmark. I haven't been in touch in years. I'm going to write them a thank you note. In the years to come, the Danish people will be glad they stuck by us, stuck by the Iraqi majority, and stuck by the morally right thing to do.

Thank you, Denmark.

[expatguy]

Canned ham and canned sugar cookies is all that comes to mind for some reason.

Both products transport well and have a long shelf life.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

They understand, and have the courage to stand with us. Bless our Danish allies!

A good speech for sharing with American war critics, too:

8 Why Denmark Decided to Participate in the War Against Saddam Hussein
 ~ The Intellectual Conservative  | Frank Laybourn, Foreign and Security Policy Adviser to the Liberal Party of Denmark

[Miss Marple]

I am very proud of the Danes. I am half-Danish on my father's side, and am glad to see they are maintaining the character they exhibited during WWII.

Additional products from Denmark include Bing & Grondahl and Royal Copenhagen china; Dansk dinnerware, and George Jensen glassware and crystal.

[prairiebreeze]

We are grateful to have the help of Denmark, or any freedom loving country, as we deal with the threat that ME terrorism poses to the West. We are proud of their service.

And for those countries who turn to the false hope of retreat and appeasement, we will continue for battle. For us AND for them.

It's what Americans do.

Prairie

[Great Dane]

Thanks for the bump.

Yes it's good to see Denmarks support increasing..... not sure that would have occured 5-10 years ago.

[Great Dane]

Additional products from Denmark include Bing & Grondahl and Royal Copenhagen china; Dansk dinnerware, and George Jensen glassware and crystal.

Morning to you.

And a great deal of industrial design, Pharmacuticals and a host of other things.

[SandRat]

Sounds like the Islamofacists may just experience some two legged Viking Kat ZOTs!

[windchime]

Denmark bump!

[Eurotwit]

I haven't followed Denmark that closely, but there seems to have been a seachange in the last 3-4 years.

It has now become the countries that European liberals love to hate.

They gotta be doing something right :-)

Cheers.

[Great Dane]

I haven't followed Denmark that closely, but there seems to have been a seachange in the last 3-4 years. It has now become the countries that European liberals love to hate. They gotta be doing something right :-) Cheers.

Right on all counts, Denmark has changed in the last few years, And they no longer worry about political correctness. Denmark has said enough is enough.

[Eurotwit]

Heck, I posted a story a while back that the opposition Social Democrats!!! went on record as supporting the superiority of Western values, and our duty to defend them.

I think the electoral success of the People's party was a wake up call to many of the mainstream parties.

Now, all is left is for Norway to follow suit. It will be interesting to see how our parlimentary elections next year play out.