[26 April 2004] SYDNEY, Apr 26 (Saba) - Australian Prime Minister John Howard has committed Australia's 850 Defense Force personnel currently deployed
to Iraq to remain until mid-2005, local media reported Monday.

The prime minister is now on his way back from Iraq following a
top-secret visit to Australian troops in Baghdad on Anzac Day --
Sunday.

The prime minister also indicated Australia may be willing to
provide a small increase in its troop numbers in Iraq, the media
reported.

Australia deployed 2,000 troops to fight alongside U.S. and British
forces in the invasion of Iraq in March 2003. About 850 troops
remain in Iraq to help rebuild the war-torn nation.

Howard's promise to keep Australian forces in Iraq will depend on
the outcome of this year's federal elections, due to be held before
November.

Opposition Labor leader Mark Latham has vowed to bring Australian
troops home by Christmas if he wins.
EM

Saba