No More Troops For Iraq Chris Evans - Shadow Minister for Defence

Media Statement - 25 August 2003

Labor is concerned that there ongoing discussions between the Howard Government and the US over the possibility of sending more Australian troops to Iraq.

It is clear that the US would welcome further troop commitments from Australia to Iraq.

Recent events have shown that the 1000 Australian troops still in the region, particularly those on the ground in Iraq, are at great risk.

The Howard Government has refused to say when those troops would be returning home, despite initial suggestions that they would be out quickly.

Because the Government chose to join the US and UK in an attack on Iraq, Australia is now one of three occupying powers responsible for administering the country.

The lack of any UN authorised peacekeeping force means Australia will be under pressure from the US to maintain and even increase its presence in Iraq.

Labor opposes any further commitment of Australian troops to Iraq because of the lack of UN backing for the current operation and our increased commitments in the region. The recent deployment to the Solomon Islands and our ongoing role in East Timor reflect our responsibility to support peace and stability in our region.