The future withdrawal of Polish troops from Iraq was clouded by contradictory signals from top Polish government officials last week. While Defense Minister Jerzy Szmajdzinski said a withdrawal had been pegged for December 2005, both Belka and Kwasniewski denied any decision had been made regarding a specific date for a withdrawal. They, however, did not deny December 2005 was being considered as a possible date for a full withdrawal. A recent opinion poll showed that a majority of Poles thought it was a mistake to send troops to Iraq and want an immediate withdrawal. Some 17 Polish nationals, including 13 soldiers and four civilians, have died in Iraq since September 2003 when Poland took command of an international force patrolling Iraq's so-called "south- central". European Union newcomer Poland has been among the staunchest European backers of the U.S.-led invasion and occupation of Iraq, putting it at odds with larger E.U. partners Germany and France which had vehemently opposed the offensive. --SPA 1411 Local Time 1111 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/210746