Fed: Kerry's troop pledge strengthens Labor's position: Beazley

AAP General News (Australia)
08-02-2004
Fed: Kerry's troop pledge strengthens Labor's position: Beazley

The federal Opposition says a plan by American Democratic presidential nominee JOHN
KERRY to pull many US troops out of Iraq supports Labor's pledge to bring Australian troops
home by Christmas.

Mr KERRY has promised in media interviews in the US overnight to bring home significant
numbers of troops in his first term, if he wins November's election.

Opposition defence spokesman KIM BEAZLEY says Mr KERRY's comments vindicate Opposition
Leader MARK LATHAM's commitment to repatriate Australian soldiers.

He's told the Nine Network what's clearly required now in Iraq is nation-building,
not more troops.

AAP RTV bt/sco/jmt

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST BEAZLEY (CANBERRA)

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.