Spain's new Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said today he had given orders for Spanish troops in Iraq to be brought home in 'as short a time as possible'.
The announcement, made in a televised speech, came just one day after Mr Zapatero was sworn in after the Socialists' upset victory in March 14 thgeneral elections.
He said he had given Defence Minister Jose Bono "the order to do what is necessary for the Spanish troops in Iraq to come home in the shortest time and in the greatest safety possible."
Mr Zapatero had caused controversy with his election campaign pledge to bring home the Spanish troops if the United Nations did not take charge in Iraq by June 30th.
US President George W. Bush has urged Spain and other allies in Iraq to stick with Washington.
"According to the information we have...it is not likely that a UN resolution will be adopted that will meet the conditions we have set for our presence in Iraq," Mr Zapatero said. His decision comes amid a surge of violence in Iraq. Since the end of March, at least 99 US soldiers have died in action.