Chandigarh: Describing the situation in Iraq as a "very considerable challenge" for the coalition forces, Britain today (Oct 20, 2004) ruled out any time frame for the withdrawal of troops from the war-torn country saying there were "elements" who do not wish Iraq to move forward.

"I view Iraq a very considerable challenge. There are elements there who do not wish to see a forward moving Iraq. I don't underestimate the challenge (which the coalition forces face)," British Army chief, General Sir Mike Jackson told reporters on the sidelines of his visit to headquarters of the Western Command, Chandimandir, near Chandigarh.

Asked if any time frame had been set for the coalition forces to move out of Iraq, he said no time limit had been set and added that would depend on the ground situation.

About the timetable for the elections in Iraq early next year, Jackson said the situation after that would be assessed. To a question, he said Britain had lost 68 of its troops in Iraq since February-March last year.

"I have visited Iraq on a number of occasions and the situation there is demanding," he said.

"We (the coalition forces) will do all we can to achieve a better future (for the Iraqis)," he said.

Asked if more Sikh troops could join the British Army back in England, he said the force was open to those willing to join it. "I particularly will be very pleased," he added.

General Jackson, who interacted with Western Army chief General J J Singh, was accompanied by his wife Sarah Jackson and other top officers of his force.