Poland still hopes to withdraw its troops from Iraq at the end of this year, but the staunch US ally could prolong the mission if the international community asks it to do so, the country's new foreign minister said on Thursday.
Defence Minister Jerzy Szmajdzinski and other top officials first indicated in early October that Poland intended to bring its troops home at the end of 2005, citing hopes that elections scheduled this month will help bring stability to the country.
Adam Rotfeld, who was sworn in as the foreign minister on Wednesday, told Poland's private Radio Zet he believes that intention can be fulfilled.
"I would say that the involvement of our troops in Iraq in its current form will end," Rotfeld said.
"However, if the international community — whether it be under the auspices of the United Nations or the European Union or NATO — decides ... some of our troops should stay there, then I do not exclude that such a decision might be made."
Poland has 2,400 troops in Iraq as part of an international security force that it leads in an area south of Baghdad, but plans to reduce its troop level to 1,700 next month.
Rotfeld took over as foreign minister from Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz, who stepped down to become parliamentary speaker.
Rotfeld, previously a deputy foreign minister, has said he will continue with Cimoszewicz's policies.
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