Denmark to withdraw forces from Iraq by August
Iraq-Denmark, Politics, 2/21/2007

Denmark will pull out its present 500-member troop contingent in southern Iraq by August, Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced Wednesday in Copenhagen.

Speaking at joint press briefing with Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Moeller, Rasmussen said, the contingent in southern Iraq would be replaced in August by four military helicopters and a 70-strong support force.

He pointed out that the Iraqi government was ready to assume "greater responsibility for security and stability" in southern Iraq. Rasmussen stressed there was "no request" to relocate Danish forces to Baghdad or other parts of central Iraq.

Denmark will increase its support for the NATO-led training of Iraqi police and military forces Copenhagen will also dispatch advisors and step up funding for the Iraqi government.

Denmark is also pledging 17.6 million dollars in aid to Iraqi refugees in Iraq and the neighboring countries, the prime minister said. The Danish decision was made in "close consultation" with Denmark's allies Britain, the United States and Iraq, Rasmussen added.

Meanwhile the Danish leader signaled that the withdrawal of troops from Iraq could be used to contribute more forces in Afghanistan. Following consultations with the Danish Parliament, Copenhagen plans to send between 400 to 600 forces to Afghanistan.

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