S.Korean president indecisive on sending more troops to Iraq

　　SEOUL, Sept. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun Wednesday told reporters that he can not make decision on whether to send more troops to Iraq under the present circumstances.

　　The South Korean president told local reporters that he is aware of the controversy over the troops dispatch issue, "The people are divided on the issue and so are those close to me."

　　"I am unable to give an answer under the present circumstances," said Roh.

　　"If we are to dispatch the troops, we have to decide on the timing that best reflects the justification and our interests. If we are not to send the troops, we have to find the ways and means so as not to make our relations with the United States uncomfortable," he added.

　　Washington has asked Seoul to send combat troops to Iraq beyond the 675 South Korean non-combat troops now working in the Middle East country.

　　Roh said the decision will be made with the full consideration of all related factors.

　　"We will think about public opinion on our values, the nationalinterest, South Korea's status and image in the international community, and our future relations with the Arab world," he said.

　　South Korean society splits over the US request. Some non-government organizations said the government should reject the demand, and media polls showed more than half of the respondents also gave negative responses on it. But the Grand National Party, the countries opposition party who holds the majority of parliament, said the government should accept the demand. Enditem