 The United States has welcomed Australia's decision to send an additional 450 ground forces to Iraq to provide protection for multinational reconstruction crews and to train Iraqi security forces. Prime Minister John Howard announced on Tuesday that Australia will send an extra 450 troops to Iraq to help protect a Japanese humanitarian mission in the south. The decision, which follows requests by the governments of Britain and Japan, will increase the size of Australia's contingent in Iraq from 950 to 1,400 troops. "The new Australian contribution, which adds to the positive momentum generated by Iraq's national elections on January 30, will assist Iraq's transition to a secure democracy," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said. "Australia continues to demonstrate that it is willing to make difficult and courageous choices to promote democracy and combat terrorism around the world." |