thedrifter
09-01-07, 06:09 PM
Crocker does not expect big Iraq policy shift
By Bassem Mroue - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Sep 1, 2007 17:45:35 EDT
BAGHDAD — The U.S. ambassador predicted Saturday there will be no “fundamental or quick change” in the American policy on Iraq and appealed for patience as Congress prepares to receive landmark reports on progress toward stability and national reconciliation.
Ambassador Ryan Crocker, speaking in Arabic on Iraqi state television, said the U.S. administration believes Iraqis have made tangible progress — which Congress has demanded as a condition for continued U.S. support.
“Since 2003, there has been a stable policy by the American administration and I don’t think there will be a fundamental or quick change in the American policy or stand on Iraq,” he said.
Crocker also said Iraqis “and the friends of Iraq” should show patience as the country grapples with its political and security crisis.
“After 35 years of injustice under Saddam Hussein, there are some problems since liberation and the problems of 40 years cannot be solved in a year or two. What is important is that there is progress,” he said.
Crocker and the top American military commander Gen. David Petraeus are to deliver reports to Congress during the week of Sept. 10 on the degree of progress achieved since President Bush ordered nearly 30,000 more troops to Iraq.
Last month Crocker expressed frustration over the slow pace of political reconciliation among the country’s Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds.
During the interview, Crocker said the ongoing security operation in Baghdad had brought about tangible improvements in public safety in the capital. But he added there was a “need for common resolutions by everybody — Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds.”
Crocker said the American people realize that what happens in Iraq will impact on the whole world and “we should study these topics closely.”
“There are many in America who want change in the policy but what is important are the circumstances in Iraq,” he said. “There will be a withdrawal one day. We don’t want to stay here forever and the Iraqis don’t want presence for foreign forces forever. The mater is circumstances. There should be suitable circumstances for a withdrawal. The Iraqi forces have to be ready to impose security all over the country.”
He said that during recent talks with the Iranians in Baghdad, the U.S. and Iraqi sides had put forth some demands on the Iranians.
“We want an end to Iranian support to some fanatical militias that are fighting coalition and Iraqi forces, we also want an end to the shelling of the Green Zone, we want an end to training those militias. This is what we and the Iraqi government want and until now there has been no positive response on the ground,” he said.
But he added that it was “important for everyone to understand” that the U.S. was trying to solve its differences with Iran and its ally Syria through political and diplomatic means.
“I returned to Iraq at the beginning of this year because I was optimistic about the future of Iraq. Six months later, I am still optimistic because you have made tangible progress toward a democratic Iraq,” he added.
Ellie
By Bassem Mroue - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Sep 1, 2007 17:45:35 EDT
BAGHDAD — The U.S. ambassador predicted Saturday there will be no “fundamental or quick change” in the American policy on Iraq and appealed for patience as Congress prepares to receive landmark reports on progress toward stability and national reconciliation.
Ambassador Ryan Crocker, speaking in Arabic on Iraqi state television, said the U.S. administration believes Iraqis have made tangible progress — which Congress has demanded as a condition for continued U.S. support.
“Since 2003, there has been a stable policy by the American administration and I don’t think there will be a fundamental or quick change in the American policy or stand on Iraq,” he said.
Crocker also said Iraqis “and the friends of Iraq” should show patience as the country grapples with its political and security crisis.
“After 35 years of injustice under Saddam Hussein, there are some problems since liberation and the problems of 40 years cannot be solved in a year or two. What is important is that there is progress,” he said.
Crocker and the top American military commander Gen. David Petraeus are to deliver reports to Congress during the week of Sept. 10 on the degree of progress achieved since President Bush ordered nearly 30,000 more troops to Iraq.
Last month Crocker expressed frustration over the slow pace of political reconciliation among the country’s Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds.
During the interview, Crocker said the ongoing security operation in Baghdad had brought about tangible improvements in public safety in the capital. But he added there was a “need for common resolutions by everybody — Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds.”
Crocker said the American people realize that what happens in Iraq will impact on the whole world and “we should study these topics closely.”
“There are many in America who want change in the policy but what is important are the circumstances in Iraq,” he said. “There will be a withdrawal one day. We don’t want to stay here forever and the Iraqis don’t want presence for foreign forces forever. The mater is circumstances. There should be suitable circumstances for a withdrawal. The Iraqi forces have to be ready to impose security all over the country.”
He said that during recent talks with the Iranians in Baghdad, the U.S. and Iraqi sides had put forth some demands on the Iranians.
“We want an end to Iranian support to some fanatical militias that are fighting coalition and Iraqi forces, we also want an end to the shelling of the Green Zone, we want an end to training those militias. This is what we and the Iraqi government want and until now there has been no positive response on the ground,” he said.
But he added that it was “important for everyone to understand” that the U.S. was trying to solve its differences with Iran and its ally Syria through political and diplomatic means.
“I returned to Iraq at the beginning of this year because I was optimistic about the future of Iraq. Six months later, I am still optimistic because you have made tangible progress toward a democratic Iraq,” he added.
Ellie