Spain's Prime Minister-elect Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero demanded a "radical change" in the postwar strategy in Iraq otherwise he would withdraw Spanish troops from the war-stricken country.
In an interview published in Sunday's El Pais newspaper, Zapatero warned, "either there is a deep, radical change in the strategy being pursued in Iraq, a hand over to the United Nations including a modification in the command of occupation forces, or Spanish troops will be repatriated."
Describing the war as a "big mistake" and "the management of the occupation - a disaster", Zapatero urged for a "big international debate on how to avoid again such a military intervention as took place in Iraq."
Asked whether the United Nations could take charge in Iraq before the current mandate of Spain's 1,300-strong contingent ends on June 30, Zapatero said, "I feel that it is possible." (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
