Libertarians oppose Democrat Iraq plan

WASHINGTON, July 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Libertarian Party has opposed the Democratic-sponsored legislation to remove American forces from Iraq.

In a statement Friday, the Libertarian Party said it had "serious concerns about the plan's flaws" and said it "would jeopardize the safety of U.S. forces."

"The House's plan shows a lack of military planning, which will inevitably compromise the safety of our troops," said Shane Cory, a Marine Corps veteran and current executive director of the Libertarian National Committee. "The plan seems to be more of a symbolic message to the president rather than a practical plan for ending the conflict in Iraq."

"While the Libertarian Party continually calls for an end to the conflict, we know you can't play political games with the lives of our brave soldiers," Cory said. "Proper lines of withdrawal should be followed, which will culminate in the complete withdrawal of American troops without leaving a small, vulnerable force behind. This is one of the most basic tenets of military strategy -- something the House's plan clearly lacks."

The Libertarian Party describes itself as the third largest political party in the United States and says it follows "a non-interventionist foreign policy." The party said it had been "a vocal critic of the invasion and occupation of Iraq."

The House of Representatives passed the legislation over fierce Republican opposition Thursday but President George W. Bush is expected to veto the measure.