BUCHAREST, April 23 (Reuters) - Romanian Prime Minister Calin Tariceanu said on Monday he was likely to propose the withdrawal of Romanian troops from Iraq at the next meeting of the country's defence council.

"It is very possible ... to make such a proposal," Tariceanu told reporters. "It will be just about announcing a political decision that will eventually materialise in a withdrawal calendar agreed with our partners and allies."

Tariceanu's Liberals, who advocate a complete pullout of Romania's 600 troops in Iraq by the year end, have dominated the defence and security body since April, when they expelled their former Democrat ruling partners to form a minority government.

The council is now headed by Romania's interim president, leftist Nicolae Vacaroiu, who is sitting in for President Traian Basescu for a 30-day period after parliament suspended him last week on charges of overstepping his powers.

Basescu, who has said the Iraq force should remain until Bucharest's allies and Baghdad ask for a withdrawal, will face an impeachment referendum on May 19.

Vacaroiu has said he might call a meeting of the council within the next three weeks.

Romania, a staunch Washington ally and a NATO member since 2004, withdrew some 130 soldiers from Iraq last year and has already announced plans to further reduce its presence by around 100, from some 600 now, in line with British withdrawal plans.

Polls show about 60 percent of the public want a withdrawal.

AlertNet news is provided by