Oil 'key factor for Australia's role in Iraq'

Dubai: The Australian Defence Minister said yesterday oil was the key reason his troops were in Iraq.

Brendan Nelson's startling comments caused an immediate stir and drew a sharp contradiction from Prime Minister John Howard. Oil and energy security had long been suspected as the key reason for invading Iraq, but this is the first time a serving politician from the US, Britain or Australia has linked it to the occupation.

Nelson said securing oil supplies was a "priority" for Australia. "Obviously the Mideast, not only Iraq but the entire region, is an important supplier of energy to the world," he said.