Fed: Howard tells mother her son could get bogged down in Gulf

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Fed: Howard tells mother her son could get bogged down in Gulf

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD's told the mother of an Australian soldier in Iraq there'sa chance her son could be stuck fighting the war for some time to come.

But he says things appear to be moving quickly and he hopes Australia's 2,000 troopswill be home soon.

Mr HOWARD's told the mother, who phoned Melbourne radio 3AW, she's not being selfishin wanting her son home immediately.

But he says he can't give her a date for his return.

The prime minister says progress made by coalition forces has improved over the pastfew days and hopefully that's a sign things will be over soon.

He says he hopes to work his way around the country to meet the families of the troopsin the Persian Gulf, with a reception planned in Brisbane next week.

AAP RTV sm/sb/dl/jas

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST MOTHER (CANBERRA)