Annette Hurley (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to Senator Coonan, the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Is the minister aware of comments by the US commander in Iraq that American troops may remain in Iraq on a long-term basis, with references to South Korea as an example? Don’t these comments reflect recent reports that the US is planning a long-term presence in Iraq after the bulk of its forces withdraw by late 2008? Has the US approached Australia about its withdrawal plans next year or requested that our current commitment remain as part of the 40,000-strong force that would stay in Iraq on a long-term basis? Does the government agree with the need for a long-term military presence in Iraq, and does the government see a role for Australia in this force? Is that what the government really means when it says it will stay until the job is done?