Fed: PM says many support Gov't on Iraq, despite protests

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Fed: PM says many support Gov't on Iraq, despite protests

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says many people support his handling of the Iraq crisis,despite more than half-a-million Australians turning out for weekend anti-war rallies.

The marches were part of worldwide protests that have brought more than 10 millionpeople onto the streets worldwide.

Massive protest demonstrations jammed streets in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin and Sydneyyesterday, following on from rallies in Canberra and Melbourne the day before.

The largest turnout was in Sydney, where police said more than 250,000 people walkedand chanted through the central business district to oppose war with or without UnitedNations approval.

But Mr HOWARD says the massive turnout doesn't mean the government is out of step withthe public mood.

He says public opinion about the government's support for tough action against Iraqcan't be measured simply by the numbers at protest rallies.

Mr HOWARD says Iraqi President SADDAM HUSSEIN can't be allowed to hold weapons of massdestruction.

But opposition leader SIMON CREAN says Mr HOWARD'S refusal to be swayed by the numbersof people turning out to anti-war rallies proves he is out of touch with public sentiment.

AAP RTV rft/wz/rt

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST (CANBERRA)