Symbolic Return of Spanish Troops from Iraq

21/04/2004| IslamWeb

A first contingent of Spanish troops has arrived back home following the government's announcement of its withdrawal from Iraq. These soldiers were scheduled to return today, but have been replaced by a smaller group who are charged with organising the logistics of the pull out. There were emotional scenes at the airport as the soldiers were reunited with their families. Those waiting for the return of loved ones know there is not long to go. The government has announced that all its forces will be out of Iraq in less than eight weeks. In Washington, US Secretary of State Colin Powell thanked outgoing nations Spain and Honduras for their work in Iraq. "We thank them for what they have done, regret that they' find it necessary to leave at this point and look forward to working with Spain and Honduras in other areas. The Spanish have indicated they might be able to contribute in other areas that we are working in such as Afghanistan." Honduras chose to pull its troops out after Spain's announcement. Colin Powell was able to allay some fear among coalition members that the departures would trigger a mass exodus. He said he had spoken to most of the other nations with forces on the ground who re-affirmed their commitment to working in Iraq. **PHOTO CAPTION*** Spanish soldiers from the Plus Ultra II brigade who were based in Iraq, disembark with a Spanish flag with a bull printed on it on arrival at the Spanish military base in Talavera la Real, western Spain Tuesday April 20, 2004. (AP)