Fed: Downer says troops will have Anzac Day service in Iraq

AAP General News (Australia)
04-25-2004
Fed: Downer says troops will have Anzac Day service in Iraq

Foreign Minister ALEXANDER DOWNER says Australian troops in Iraq will commemorate Anzac
Day at a special dawn service in Baghdad.

But he's steered clear of saying whether it will be the Australian Defence Force's
last Anzac Day in Iraq.

Mr DOWNER says the troops are risking their lives, and their courage and decency are admirable.

He says he doesn't think many people who have really stopped and thought about it believe
it would be sensible for the international community to just pull out and leave Iraq in
a state of anarchy and as a haven for terrorists.

He's told the Seven Network that if the coalition forces can -- in the teeth of political
opposition in some western countries, including Australia -- succeed in making sure Iraq
works properly, it'll be a great triumph.

AAP RTV sm/jmt

KEYWORD: ANZAC SERVICE IRAQ (CANBERRA)

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