Fed: Howard marks Anzac Day with surprise visit to Baghdad

AAP General News (Australia)
04-25-2004
Fed: Howard marks Anzac Day with surprise visit to Baghdad

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD has used the most solemn day on the Australian calender,
Anzac Day, to make his first visit to Iraq.

Mr HOWARD flew into Baghdad under extraordinary security to attend the Anzac Day dawn
service at Baghdad airport with some of Australia's 150 Iraq-based troops.

Wearing a flak jacket, Mr HOWARD spent just a handful of hours on the ground for the
dawn service.

The secret visit follows in the footsteps of US President GEORGE W BUSH who visited
Baghdad airport to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Mr HOWARD says his trip is a recognition of the efforts made by the 800 Australian
troops still in the Middle East.

Opposition Leader MARK LATHAM has refused to criticise Mr HOWARD for failing to take him along.

But both Greens Leader Senator BOB BROWN and Democrats Leader ANDREW BARTLETT have
accused the prime minister of politicising Anzac Day in an election year.

AAP RTV sw/sco

KEYWORD: IRAQ HOWARD (CANBERRA)

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.