White House spokesman Scott McClellan said on Tuesday that the US-led coalition in Iraq remained strong despite the announcement by Spain and Honduras to withdraw their troops from Iraq.  

"The coalition in Iraq is strong," McClellan said.

"Remember, there are more than 30 nations who are participating in our efforts in Iraq, and we appreciate the strong statements reaffirming their commitment to helping the Iraqi people realize a free and peaceful future," McClellan said.

Spain and Honduras have said they would pull their troops out of Iraq as soon as possible.

Spain and Honduras have respectively 1,300 and 370 troops in Iraq.

(Xinhua News Agency April 21, 2004)