"I will keep my word on the presence of Spanish troops in Iraq," said Zapatero, in allusion to his electoral promise to withdraw the troops if the UN does not take control of the country by June 30.

Earlier Thursday, the Socialist Party leader had been less explicit, telling MPs: "My position on the presence of Spanish troops in Iraq is well known, as is my argument and reasoning.

"Day after day we witness the continued deterioration of the situation in Iraq, which is moving ever farther away from the peace and stability which we all desire."

But after telling legislators it was vital to allow Iraqis to regain their sovereignty and organise their own democratic elections, Zapatero added that it was also time to comply with the wishes of the Spanish people in bringing their troops home.

"I want to pull Spain out of an illegal war," Zapatero said, dubbing the US-led intervention in Iraq "a huge mistake for peace and world security."

Predecessor Jose Maria Aznar sent in 1,300 troops in August 2003 in a move which led to huge popular protests across Spain.

In reaffirming his intent to leave Iraq, Zapatero hit back at conservative Popular Party leader Mariano Rajoy, whom he defeated in a March 14 general election and who on Thursday accused him of "persisting in ambiguity" and lacking a "clear position" on the issue.

WAR.WIRE