Denmark may trim half of its forces in Iraq

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Denmark is considering reducing its 470-strong contingent in southern Iraq by half later this year as two southern provinces are transferred to Iraqi control, a senior officer said Wednesday. Col. Henrik Sommer said such a reduction was among several scenarios that the army was preparing for lawmakers, who will make the final decision. "We're looking at which military duties must be dealt with after the Iraqis have taken over the security responsibility," Sommer told The Associated press by telephone. "We're looking at how Denmark can contribute to some of these duties. That ranges from having fewer forces to maintaining the present size of the contingent." For several months, the Danish army has been discussing possible troop reductions with Britain, under whose command the Danes are serving near the southern Iraqi city of Basra, Sommer said.