Honduras Follows Spain's Lead

20 April 2004

by Anai Rhoads

AnaiRhoads.org - Honduras President Ricardo Maduro announced late Monday that his administration will pull all 370 of the country's troops out of Iraq ahead of the 30 June deadline.

The announcement comes on the heels of Spain Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero's decision to withdraw all 1,300 troops. United States President George W. Bush expressed concern to Zapatero during their brief phone conversation Monday. Bush said that the withdrawal would give "false comfort to terrorists."

Australia, the Dominican Republic, England (12,000 troops), Italy (2,700 troops), Portugal, San Salvador, Slovakia (105 mining soldiers), and the Ukraine, promised to keep their troops in Iraq for however long it takes to stabilise the war-torn country.

Poland had sent the most troops of the 23 nation-coalition, but Polish Defence Minister Jerzy Szmajdzinski said he has no plans to send more troops into Iraq. There are currently 2,400 Polish troops stationed in Iraq. However, Szmajdzinski is still seeking a U.N. resolution. Top Japanese military officials said Monday that they wish for a greater U.N. involvement as well.

Ukraine is second in line with regards to the most troops with 1,650. Spain is currently the third largest, which is expected to create a significant dent in the U.S. plans for a post-war Iraq.

On the other hand, Albania wasted no time in saying they will offer more troops, and European Commission president Romano Prodi praised Zapatero's decision, but did not comment on Italy's 2,700 troops stationed in Iraq.

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