Bound for Iraq, with our prayers

PRIME Minister John Howard farewelled Iraq-bound troops yesterday, sending with them the prayers and support of Australians.

Members of the Al Muthanna Task Group have already begun departing for southern Iraq.Mr Howard told soldiers and their families they were greatly admired by Australians, who wished them a safe mission replacing 1400 Dutch soldiers as security for Japanese military engineers."Can I say, on behalf of the nation, thank you for what you are doing," Mr Howard told the group."We admire you, we respect your professionalism, we know that you will do good things in the name of our country."