Iraq FM says no time to "cut and run"

CANBERRA (AFP) - Iraq's foreign minister on Monday urged US-led coalition forces not to "cut and run" from the strife-torn country as he paid a surprise visit to Australia.

The United States, Britain and Australia should stand by Iraq during "these critical times," Hoshyar Zebari told a joint news conference with Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer.

"We all see the pressures building up in Washington in London, in Europe, here, but I think this not a time to cut and run," he said.

"I think this is the time to stand with the people who you helped to liberate and to assist."

Prime Minister John Howard, whose government has deployed some 1,400 troops on Iraqi operations, faces public discontent over the war similar to that aimed at US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

But even with an election looming later this year against a resurgent centre-left Labor Party which has vowed to bring Australian troops home, Howard has repeatedly warned an early withdrawal would be a victory for"terrorists".

Zebari and Downer both spoke of Britain's future role in Iraq amid reports that Washington fears Blair's successor, Gordon Brown, could announce plans to withdraw troops soon after he takes office on June 27.

"I haven't seen anything coming out of Britain that differentiates Gordon Brown's position from that of Tony Blair," Downer said.

"Gordon Brown re-affirmed his commitment to the democratic government in Iraq and to ensuring Iraq is a successful country."

Zebari appeared less confident of Brown's appetite for the war.

"We understand the realities of British politics and the forthcoming prime minister Brown has also been supportive of Iraqi democracy, of the mission," he said.

"And I believe it's very important there shouldn't be weaknesses within the coalition because these are crucial times."

Zebari said the number of foreign troops killed in Iraq had increased recently "because they are engaging the enemy in their neighbourhoods. They are not sitting back in their barracks."

The coalition troops were making real progress and many neighbourhoods in Baghdad had been brought under control, he said.

Zebari was due to meet later with Australian Defence Minister Brendan Nelson.