Despite pressure from the U.S. and its partners in Iraq, Spain's incoming Socialist government will not renege on its plan to recall troops from Iraq by the end of June.

CTV.ca News Staff

Despite pressure from the U.S. and its partners in Iraq, Spain's incoming Socialist government will not renege on its plan to recall troops from Iraq by the end of June.

In an hour-long radio interview Wednesday morning, Spanish prime minister-elect Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero restated his opposition on the occupation of Iraq, calling it "a fiasco," and saying it will only incite more anger.

"Fighting terrorism with bombs... with Tomahawk missiles, isn't the way to defeat terrorism," he said, defending his plan to withdraw the country's 1,300 troops.

"Terrorism is combatted by the state of law.... that's what I think Europe and the international community have to debate."

The night before, in his first public comments since bombings in Madrid last week claimed more than 200 lives, U.S. President George Bush appealed for unity from his shrinking war coalition in Iraq.

"It's essential that we remain side by side with the Iraqi people as they begin the process of self-government," Bush said.

At his side for the statement was Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, another coalition ally, who reaffirmed his commitment to the U.S.-led mission.

At least three other major allies -- Britain, Poland and Japan -- have since reaffirmed their commitment to Iraq.

But Zapatero told radio listeners that even if Bush personally asks him to reconsider, he won't change his mind.

"I'll explain to our allies, which include the United States, of course, and Britain ... what my position is" on the Spanish troop withdrawal, he said.

"I will listen to Mr. Bush, but my position is very clear and very firm," he said.

Zapatero, who scored a surprise election win last Sunday, has pledged to withdraw Spanish troops from Iraq unless the United Nations takes over.

Not all Spaniards agree with Zapatero's position. Some 5,000 supporters gathered outside the headquarters of outgoing conservative Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar's party Wednesday, accusing Zapatero of being soft on terrorism.

Waving flags and banners, they protested Zapatero's upset win. "Zapatero, president of al Qaeda!" "Zapatero with terrorism!" and "Zapatero resign!" they chanted.

The protesters left after about 30 minutes.