Seoul: South Korea's Cabinet today approved President Roh Moo-Hyun's plan to extend the stay of troops in Iraq, but he faces a tougher task in securing Parliament's approval.

Roh last week announced the plan to keep the contingent in place until December 2008 but to half its size from the current 1,250.

He cited the need to safeguard ties with the US to secure its continued help in dealing with North Korea's nuclear programme, as well as possible economic benefits.

The Defence Ministry said it will withdraw 250 troops by next month and 350 more by December. "We aim to half the number of troops in stages within this year," said spokesman Kim Hyung-Gi.

Washington praised Seoul's decision to keep its contingent in place as other coalition members pull out, but domestic public opinion is almost evenly split on the issue. The government plans next week to submit a motion to the National Assembly calling for the mission's extension.

The pro-government United New Democratic Party strongly opposes the extension and has 141 of the 299 seats. But the main opposition Grand National Party, with 129 seats, supports the plan.

South Korea in 2004 sent about 3,500 troops to Iraq, at the time the third-largest foreign contingent after the United States and Britain. It has gradually reduced the number to 1,200.

The soldiers are based around the relatively peaceful Kurdish town of Arbil and are engaged only in reconstruction activities and medical work. There have been no deaths from hostile action.

Source : PTI