Dominican republic...not so willing

[AlCzervik]

another one exiting stage left.

President: Dominican Troops Might Follow Spain in Coming Home Early From Iraq

By Peter Prengaman Associated Press Writer
Published: Apr 20, 2004




SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) - The Dominican Republic might follow Spain and Honduras in pulling its troops out of Iraq early despite a one-year commitment to the U.S.-led military force, the president said Tuesday.

President Hipolito Mejia's announcement came just two days after he pledged to keep the Caribbean country's 302 troops in place through July, as promised.

The Dominicans have been serving with 370 Honduran troops under a Spanish-led brigade policing Iraq's al-Qadisiya and Najaf provinces since August.

On Sunday, Spain said it would pull out its 1,300 soldiers early, prompting Honduras to say the same Monday. The two countries' troops were expected home in about six weeks, or one month early.

Mejia said it was Honduras' decision to withdraw, based on concerns about security without the Spanish presence, that prompted him to reconsider. Without the Spanish in command, it was unclear how the Dominicans would be operating.

The president said he would consult with Dominican military and government officials before making a final decision. "It's not something that can be determined overnight."

The party of Spain's new prime minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez, won March 14 elections three days after subway terrorist bombings in Madrid. Exit polls showed many Spanish voters believed outgoing Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, by backing the U.S.-led war in Iraq, had provoked the bombings, Spain's worst terror attack.

Many Dominicans also have criticized Mejia's support of the war, particularly over the past two weeks: Dominican troops have been attacked more than a dozen times, though none have been reported injured.

Opposition party candidates have derided Mejia's participation in Iraq ahead of May 16 elections. The president is seeking re-election.

AP-ES-04-20-04 2129EDT
http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAGBG0RATD.html

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