Howard says Iraq war 'going well'

Howard says Iraq war 'going well'

Australian troops are helping to de-mine the vital port of Umm Qasr

Australian Prime Minister John Howard said on Friday that the war in Iraq was going "extremely well".

He said that progress was slightly slower than expected because the coalition forces were trying to minimise civilian casualties.

"The ethical way in which the coalition is conducting this campaign is in stark contract with the absolute disregard for human life which has been a hallmark of the Iraqi regime," Mr Howard said.

He added that those who believed the war would be over in a few days had misunderstood the situation.

"I suggest they take a reality check and understand a number of things," he said.

Mr Howard said he had spoken early on Friday morning to both US President George W Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair about the military campaign's progress.

He also said the three leaders had talked about the rebuilding of Iraq after the conflict.

They agreed that in the immediate aftermath a US-led administration may be necessary, the prime minister said.

"I then see a greater role for the United Nations,'' he added.

Mr Howard emphasised that the Iraqi people must decide on their own future.

"We have no designs on the territorial future - never have, never will," he said.

Mine clearance

In Iraq, Australian mine clearance teams are working to open a channel for humanitarian aid supplies to enter the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr, according to Australian defence officials.

Umm Qasr, Iraq's only deep-water port, is critical for both humanitarian and military operations in the war.

Mr Howard said the Australian aid contribution to the Iraq crisis amounted to around Aus$100m (US$60m).

Of Australia's 2,000 troops deployed in the Iraq, 25 are specialised mine clearance divers working with US and British teams to make the port's waters safe.