Washington, Nov 15: Pakistan and Bangladesh are among countries considering sending troops to Iraq, US Secretary of State Colin Powell has said.
"Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, Pakistan -- all of them are considering whether or not troops would be appropriate, and we're working with those nations and other nations, as well as the Iraqis themselves -- the Governing Council -- to see what additional contributions might be possible and what additional contributions might be appropriate," Powell said.
Powell said more than 30 countries have contributed troops, such as the Italians. "I am very pleased that the Italian Prime Minister today reaffirmed that Italy will not cut and run. Italy will make the sacrifices necessary and stick with US.
"Turkey was willing to make a contribution, but for a variety of reasons having to do with the sensitivity of Turkey sending troops into Iraq, we came to a conclusion with Turkey that they should not make that contribution at this time," he added.
Bureau Report