Thailand will consider pulling out its troops in Iraq if the security situation there worsens, the country's Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai said on Tuesday.
"At this time we are able to function like every other country but if the situation worsens and our troops cannot perform their duties then I will consult with the Prime Minister," Surakiart told reporters.
Surakiart added that the defence ministry was evaluating the situation on a daily basis and thus far it believed the presence of the 440-strong Thai contingent in Karbala was welcomed by the people of Iraq.
"If we can still help them and still receive cooperation we will continue our work," he made clear.
Meanwhile, last month, a Thai military envoy was assigned to check on the safety of the forces who arrived in Iraq in September, but escalating violence in the war-torn country, forced the trip to be delayed until December 8. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
