By Andrew Stackpool
AUSTRALIA is to enhance its contribution to the rebuilding of Iraq under Op Catalyst by assisting the training of Iraq's new armed forces.

Speaking at a press conference in Washington on November 20, Defence Minister Robert Hill said Australia had been approached to do more in training the new Iraqi army.

In particular, Australia has been asked to provide trainers of NCOs and to assist with the integration of new battalions into the fledgling army in 2004.

While Senator Hill was unable to say how many personnel would be required, he did indicate it would not be a substantial contribution.

"It will be a modest additional contribution, in the order of a few dozen," he said.

"It will be within our existing force structure."

He said that Australia had a vested interest in ensuring Iraq's new zgovernment was stable and able to manage its own affairs so as to contribute to stability in the region.

"Iraqis want to govern themselves but many Iraqis will argue for an international force to stay and support them until they are able to protect themselves."

He said that Iraq now has 40, 000 police in place and that rebuilding of the new army will be accelerated during 2004.

"But it will be some time before the new Iraqi government can properly protect its own interests."

During his visit to the US, Senator Hill also met with representatives of the defence industry to discuss the AEGIS system for the new air warfare destroyers, the Joint Strike Fighter and Global Hawk UAV.

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