Fed: Aust will stay in Iraq despite hostage situation - Howard

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2004
Fed: Aust will stay in Iraq despite hostage situation - Howard

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says there is no need to order Australian civilians working
in Iraq to leave the war-torn country despite a spate of hostage taking.

Eleven Russians working for an energy company have been kidnapped in Baghdad today,
amid growing fears for at least 16 foreigners who have been abducted or reported missing
in Iraq.

Three Japanese hostages are still being held by their captors, while seven Chinese
kidnapped have been freed.

But Mr HOWARD says while the hostage situation is worrying, it does not mean Australians
should pull out of Iraq.

He's told the Nine network that everybody in Iraq is at some degree of risk and the
government is in contact with about 70 Australian contractors who are working there.

Mr HOWARD says Australia has an obligation to see its work in Iraq through.

And he says that Australian troops will remain until the purpose for which they were
sent no longer requires their presence.

He says if there's a weakening in Iraq now it will be an enormous victory for terrorists
and hostage takers.

Mr HOWARD's described the hostage situation in Iraq as difficult, but says there is
still much progress being made by the coalition there and he's confident things will improve.

AAP RTV bt/rh/rt

KEYWORD: IRAQ HOSTAGES HOWARD (CANBERRA) WITH AUDIO

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