For Immediate Release
February 23, 2005

450 Additional Australian Troops to Go to Iraq
Fact of the Day

The Australian government has committed to send 450 additional soldiers to Iraq. Australian troops will be deployed to the Al Muthanna province in southern Iraq. A cavalry squadron, an infantry company, and a training team will provide security for reconstruction projects and train Iraqi security forces. In announcing his government's contribution, Australian Prime Minister Howard said: "The Government believes that Iraq is very much at a tilting point, and it's very important that the opportunity of democracy -- not only in Iraq but also in other parts of the Middle East -- be seized and consolidated."

Source: Office of the Prime Minister of Australia
(http://www.pm.gov.au/news/interviews/Interview1251.html)