Fed: Israel PM warns Aust against Iraq withdrawal

AAP General News (Australia)
04-17-2007
Fed: Israel PM warns Aust against Iraq withdrawal

CANBERRA, April 17 AAP - Australian and US troops had to leave Iraq some time but should
do so in a way which maintained the reputation of the US as a major world power, Israel's
prime minister said today.

Ehud Olmert said he did not want to revisit whether the US should have gone into Iraq
in the first place.

"You are there. Others are there. The question is how should America pull out and the
other forces should pull out from Iraq," Mr Olmert told ABC radio from Jerusalem.

"I think they should pull out in a manner which will maintain the prestige and the
perception of America as a major power.

"Why? Because if the perception will be different then the possible consequences and
ramifications will be very unpleasant for the moderate forces in our part of the world.

And that is something we are worried about."

Mr Olmert said he was not saying that US and Australia and other forces should never leave Iraq.

"What I say it is your decision to make. It is America's decision to make," he said.

"What I just tell you as someone that lives in this part of the world for so many years
and has known a little bit about the dynamics of this part of the world, is that having
known what you have invested for so many years, how much it has cost you.

"Just think of what will be the possible ramifications of a premature pullout on the
standing of the forces which are essential for our interests and your interests and your
security in this part of the world."

AAP mb/mfh/maur/bwl

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST OLMERT

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