Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar has paid a surprise visit to Iraq.  

The Prime Minister's office said that Aznar left Madrid for Kuwait on Friday night, and traveled by helicopter to the southern Iraqi town of Diwaniyah where about 1,300 Spanish troops are stationed.

Aznar met with Spanish soldiers in Diwaniyah, and was expected to return home later on Saturday.

Despite widespread opposition at home, Aznar backed the United States on its policy towards Iraq.

Ten Spaniards have died in Iraq since August.

(CRI.com December 21, 2003)