Bush to seek $ 6.8 bln for new Iraq strategy

WASHINGTON, Jan 10 (Reuters) President George W Bush's plan for Iraq includes a 6.8 billion dolllars budget request to pay for a 20,000 troop increase as well as jobs and reconstruction programs aimed at stabilizing the country, US officials said today.

Facing growing US frustration with the war, Bush will lay out his strategy in a speech at 92100hrs 0730IST tomorrow.

The 6.8 billion dollars dollars will be added to a broader war-spending bill Bush will unveil in February for fiscal 2007, according to two US official who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity.

The total price tag for the emergency legislation was already expected to reach 100 billion dollars, making 2007 the costliest year yet for the conflict.

Bush plans to send 17,500 troops to Baghdad and 4,000 to the volatile Anbar province, the officials said, adding that the Iraqi government has promised to add troops as well. The increases will take place in waves, with the first additional brigade, usually 3,500 to 4,000 troops, expected to arrive on January 15.

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