Fed: Aust troops, first into Iraq, set for big homecoming

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2003
Fed: Aust troops, first into Iraq, set for big homecoming

Australia's SAS troops seem set for a huge welcome home, along with others of Australia's
2,000-strong military contingent.

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD has revealed he wants a big welcome home for the Australian
service people, despite the risk of confrontation with anti-war protesters.

The remarkable success of Australia's special forces in Iraq has continued with their
discovery of much of Iraq's hidden airforce, as well as munitions on an airbase west of
Baghdad.

United States President GEORGE W BUSH has reportedly told Mr HOWARD in a phone call
that Australians were the first into action in the war.

To date they've sustained no casualties despite their frontline activities.

Australia's focus in Iraq is now increasingly turning to aid.

Australian Defence Force spokesman Brigadier MIKE HANNAN says two Australian Hercules
planes loaded with medical and emergency equipment are today due to fly into the Tallil
Air Base, near Nasiriyah.

And Foreign Minister ALEXANDER DOWNER says Australia will immediately hand over $30
million in aid to the UN Flash Appeal for Iraq.

AAP RTV dep/rca

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST (CANBERRA)

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