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Iraqi Kurdish troops heading to Baghdad

ARBIL, Iraq, Feb 24, 2007 (AFP) - A Kurdish brigade of the Iraqi army set off on Saturday for Baghdad to take part in a massive joint US and Iraqi military operation to pacify the city, its commander said.

"Our participation in this security plan is proof of the fact that we belong to the Iraqi Army," said Brigadier General Nathir Asim Koran, commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade of the 2nd Army Division.

"We had decided to send 1,700 men but the number grew to 1,800," the general told reporters in the Kurdish capital Arbil. "This demonstrates how keen soldiers in the province are to be part of the plan."

The Kurdish region of northern Iraq is autonomous, and many there still dream of independence from the Arab south, but in public at least regional officials insist they support national unity.

Nevertheless, some observers have warned that too big a Kurdish contingent in Baghdad could spark tensions in the capital, especially as many Kurds can't speak Arabic.

The general emphasised however that his troops had been well-prepared for their mission. "All our soldiers have completed training courses to be ready to restore peace in Baghdad," he said.