IRAQ: Extra British troops could be sent to Iraq to safeguard elections, the British Defence Secretary, Mr Geoff Hoon, said yesterday amid fears that mounting violence could destroy the poll scheduled for early next year, writes Jack Fairweather in Baghdad
"If it is necessary to put a few extra troops in to provide appropriate security for the elections, we will do that," he said.
Britain currently has 9,000 troops serving in the Gulf country.
Mr Hoon said Britain was committed to elections taking place by a January 31st deadline so as to relieve tensions there.
"We are still absolutely determined that elections should take place," Mr Hoon said.
"I recognize that there may be some extra tasks as we get close to election date, and we will respond accordingly."
But doubts have been expressed that credible elections can take place with insurgents rampant across the country.
This week Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawer hinted at possible delays, saying elections would not be held for the "sake of elections", and that restoring security was his first priority.
Iraqi election officials insist, however, that the vote will take place as scheduled - a view likely to be endorsed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mr Iyad Allawi when he visits London tomorrow.
The emergency measures that have been drawn up by the country's Independent Election Commission could force large areas of the country to close down if violence flares on polling day, which could lead to no votes being cast in insurgent strongholds like Fallujah.