DEPARTMENT OF UNDERSTATEMENT ANNOUNCES IRAQ FINDING

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Coalition: Nearly half of new Iraqi army has quit

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- About 300 of 700 members of the new Iraqi army have resigned, citing unhappiness with terms, conditions and pay and with instructions of commanding officers, a representative of the U.S.-led coalition said Thursday.

"It's a new force, and ... we face some difficulties," the representative said.