Germany rules out troops to Iraq

[NNN0LHI]

http://jang.com.pk/thenews/aug2003-daily/12-08-2003/world/w11.htm

BERLIN: Germany has ruled out sending troops to Iraq to assist US-led forces in stabilizing the war-shattered country, government spokesman Thomas Steg said on Monday.

"Our position is clear. The government is abiding by its stance not to engage militarily in Iraq," Steg told reporters, noting the government had not been formally asked for help by the United States.

Steg was asked about the German position after Defence Minister Peter Struck said in a weekend newspaper interview he could envisage NATO assuming a role in post-war Iraq and said that German peacekeeping troops could join such a mission.

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[reorg]

1. no, absolutely not!

Steg just made clear that this question is *currently* not on the agenda.

However, spokespersons from all major parties including the Greens say it is wrong to categorically rule out German troop deployments to Iraq.

Which means: in about one year from now, German troops will be there. It will happen under UN auspices and within the framework of NATO. Wanna bet? Or maybe we'll have to wait for President Dean first :-)

[Zenaholic]

2. I guess we'll be eating Freedom Chocolate Cake soon.

Achtung!

[Kellanved]

3. quite the contrary

The Pakistanis did not get it. The only thing ruled out was sending troops to Iraq without an UN mandate (Struck had said earlier, that he can imagine sending troops for a NATO mission).

Neither the proposal to extent the Afganistan mission beyond policing Kabul nor the notion to send troops to Iraq has been declined.