The Iraqi Government says it is very supportive of Australia's decision to boost its troop numbers in Iraq. Prime Minister John Howard announced yesterday that up to 70 military trainers from Australia would join troops in Iraq.Iraq's Deputy Foreign Minister Labeed Abbawi says the trainers will support the Iraq military, and early withdrawal of troops would have negative consequences. He told ABC's Lateline program the deployment is a good decision. "The main thing is not the numbers, the main thing is that we do have people to come here and to help train within an agreed program, if the Iraqis do need some more, I think they will talk with Australians on this and I hope they will get a positive response," he said.
In making the announcement yesterday Mr Howard attacked federal Labor leader Kevin Rudd for opposing the idea. "I mean he cannot have it both ways, he's now classically having a bet each way," he said.
But Mr Rudd maintains there are better ways to train Iraqi security forces than sending more Australians. "We don't believe any additional troops should be sent, that's clear cut and I won't budge on that," he said.