The German government has reiterated its opposition to sending troops to Iraq, after a top German official suggested otherwise.
A spokesman for German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said the German leader told the cabinet Wednesday that Berlin's position on Iraq has not changed.
The announcement came after today's German edition of the Financial Times quoted Defense Minister Peter Struck as ruling out a deployment for now, but saying no one can predict the events in Iraq and make binding statements.
Mr. Struck also said at a NATO meeting Wednesday in Romania that perhaps sometime, maybe in years, Germany will become engaged in the situation.
Germany was a vocal opponent to the U.S.-led war in Iraq, but has agreed to conduct training in the United Arab Emirates for some Iraqi troops and provide the Iraqi military with trucks and armored vehicles.