Howard, Bush think alike on troop presence in Iraq

Australian Prime Minister John Howard has reportedly assured visiting U.S. President George W. Bush that his Government has no intention of scaling back Australias military presence in Iraq in the near future, despite domestic opposition to the war building up.

Sydney, Sept.5 : Australian Prime Minister John Howard has reportedly assured visiting U.S. President George W. Bush that his Government has no intention of scaling back Australia's military presence in Iraq in the near future, despite domestic opposition to the war building up.

"In our discussions I made it very clear to the US President that our commitment to Iraq remains. Australian forces will remain at their present levels in Iraq, not based on any calendar, but based on conditions on the ground," news.com.au quoted Howard, as saying at a joint press conference here.

Howard also announced new deals with the US on military technology and intelligence and a joint nuclear energy action plan.

Under the nuclear plan, the US and Australia will co-operate on civil nuclear energy, including research and development, skills and training and regulatory technology.

The US will also back Australia's bid to become a member of an international forum to develop next-generation nuclear energy systems.

"Australia intends to participate in the global nuclear energy partnership and there'll be great benefits in terms of access to nuclear technology and non-proliferation," Howard said.

"The US will support Australian membership in the Generation IV International Forum which involves research and development to develop safer and better nuclear reactors."

Howard said the two countries had agreed to a plan to allow Australia easier access to US military technology by cutting a path through bureaucratic red-tape.

"We have agreed to a number of new arrangements including a treaty relating to exchanges concerning defence equipment which effectively will remove layers of bureaucracy for defence industries in Australia acquiring American technology," he said.

The two leaders said Australian and US officials would hold further discussions on strengthening the countries' military links. These talks would include plans for greater co-operation on disaster relief operations, opportunities for US and Australian troops to train together and freer exchange of military intelligence, Howard said.

Under the plans, US troops could be stationed in Australia for use in disaster relief operations in neighbouring countries, Howard said.

Bush said national reconciliation between warring Islamic factions was beginning to take place in Iraq, but "not nearly as fast as some would like".

"If you believe, like I believe, that the security of the US and the peace of the world depend upon a democracy in the Middle East, in Iraq, you can see progress," Bush said.

"It's important, in my judgment, for the security of America and for the security of Australia that we hang in there with the Iraqis and help them," Bush added.

Bush said he had real trust in Howard because of his "vision and courage."

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd today criticised Howard for breaking a promise and sending more Australian troops to Iraq.

"Mr Howard, prior to the last election, said he would not increase the number of Australian troops in Iraq. And guess what, they virtually doubled after the election," Rudd said, adding that Defence Minister Brendan Nelson had "zero credibility" on issues related to Iraq.

Rudd said he would introduce a staged withdrawal of Australian troops from Iraq if he won the election.

Rudd said that he was looking forward to his meeting with Bush on Thursday.

Bush said he too was looking forward to his meeting with Rudd.

"Our relationship is bigger than any individual in office. It's a relationship based on values - common values," Bush said.

ANI