PAC: Downer saddened by news of soldier's death

AAP General News (Australia)
04-22-2006
PAC: Downer saddened by news of soldier's death

HONIARA, April 22 AAP - Foreign minister Alexander Downer says he is deeply saddened
by the death of an Australian soldier in Iraq.

Mr Downer, speaking after meeting with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Snyder Rini said
it was the first Australian casualty among our troops in Iraq.

"I feel deeply saddened about it," Mr Downer told reporters.

"My condolences go out to the soldier's family, this is the first Australian member
of the Australian Defence Force who has been killed in Iraq."

Mr Downer said another Australian was killed on a British Hercules aircraft in January
last year. He was serving with the British forces.

"I feel very sad about it," he said.

AAP km/rp/jas

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST DOWNER

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