24 April 2004	Saturday	03 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425

BANGKOK, April 23: Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Friday he hoped the United States would understand if Thailand withdrew its troops from Iraq because of growing insecurity.

"If the situation reached a crisis and our troops could not carry out their humanitarian mission, then we would have to cease operations since our troops have no combat tasks," Mr Thaksin told reporters.

"Thai troops have a humanitarian mission only, and I believe (US Secretary of State Colin) Powell understands that, as previously agreed," the premier said.

"If we have to withdraw, I hope that the US will understand," he said, adding that he had assigned Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai to handle the issue with the United States.

Mr Powell called Mr Surakiart on Tuesday seeking to shore up Thai support for the US-led operations in Iraq, which received a blow with the recent announcements of troop withdrawals by Spain, Honduras and the Dominican Republic. -AFP