Washington, Sept 14: Requesting more countries to send troops to Iraq, US Secretary of State Colin Powell today said 29 nations are already part of the US-led coalition and about 14 more are expected to join them. "We want more troops from other nations because the more troops you have, the quicker you can bring security to Iraq and you can get reconstruction going on a safe and secure basis," Powell, who is on a visit to Iraq, said in Baghdad.
"Some 30 nations are here now. Let's not talk about this being only an American operation. They have 22,700 troops here. There are 29 nations here alongside us because they are committed to the same effort. We are trying to get more nations involved," Powell told in an interview.
He hoped that more nations will join the coalition under the new UN resolution that is being negotiated. There are some 14 countries examining whether they can make a contribution, he said.
The US forces, he said, are there not just watching or guarding things but going out after remnants of the former regime and more and more troops are doing multiple raids, going into the countryside.
Powell warned that there is still a security problem in Baghdad and throughout Iraq.
"In the central part of the country, in and around Baghdad, we are having the most trouble.. There are terrorists coming in as well as remnants of the old regime," he said.
"The more troops you have, the more you can demonstrate presence throughout the country and the greater density you can achieve," he added. Bureau Report