Romanian PM set to propose Iraq troop withdrawal

Source: Reuters

BUCHAREST, April 23 (Reuters) - Romanian Prime Minister Calin Tariceanu said on Monday he was likely to propose the withdrawal of Romanian troops from Iraq at the next meeting of the country's defence council.

"It is very possible ... to make such a proposal," Tariceanu told reporters. "It will be just about announcing a political decision that will eventually materialise in a withdrawal calendar agreed with our partners and allies."

Tariceanu's Liberals, who advocate a complete pullout of Romania's 600 troops in Iraq by the year end, have dominated the defence and security body since April, when they expelled their former Democrat ruling partners to form a minority government.

The council is now headed by Romania's interim president, leftist Nicolae Vacaroiu, who is sitting in for President Traian Basescu for a 30-day period after parliament suspended him last week on charges of overstepping his powers.

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