Iraqi Prime Minister Requests NATO Help

23 June 2004 -- A NATO spokesman confirmed today that Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has written to the alliance requesting training and other assistance.

Spokesman James Appathurai said Allawi sent the letter on 21 June asking for NATO technical help, but not asking for any troops.

NATO was reportedly reviewing the request but no decision was expected before a planned NATO summit in Turkey next week.

Currently, 16 of the 26 NATO countries have some troops in Iraq, and NATO itself provides logistical support for the Polish-led multinational force in Iraq.

(Reuters/AP/AFP)