Hoon says troops still be in Iraq in 2005

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

LONDON (Reuters) - Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has said British troops will still be in Iraq in a year, but their role will have changed from occupation to support for an Iraqi transitional government.

Britain, the United States' chief ally in the March invasion of Iraq, has some 11,000 troops stationed largely in the south of the country. About 20 have been killed in combat in the operation which has stirred controversy at home.

Hoon said he was confident about plans to hand over power to an Iraqi transitional government by the end of June.

Asked by BBC radio what role British troops would be playing this time next year, Hoon said: "I'm sure we will still be there assisting Iraqis in providing security.

More: http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsPackageArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=431306§ion=news

[kalian]

1. 2005....? Sure, then the draft kicks in....

;)

[TolstoyAndy]

2. They'll be there in 2105

That's why there was no exit strategy for Afghanistan or Iraq.

Till the vampires have bled them dry, we will occupy.

[AndyTiedye]

3. 2105, No Way! The Oil Will All Be Gone from Iraq By Then