Powell discusses using Muslim soldiers in Iraq

Thursday, July 29, 2004

JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia -- Secretary of State Colin Powell and top Saudi officials held talks Wednesday on the possibility of forming a Muslim force and deploying it in Iraq to supplement to the U.S.-led coalition. Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal acknowledged at a news conference with Powell that preliminary discussions on the subject had been conducted but he gave no details. Powell declined to comment. Saudi Arabia was involved in the negotiations despite its troops' absence from any Muslim force, consistent with Iraqi wishes that none of its neighbors send armed forces.

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