Iraq debate shifting, U.S. says

Published: Feb. 14, 2008 at 4:05 AM

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. mission in Iraq moved beyond debates over the invasion and is focused on rebuilding the country, a top U.S. official said.

The U.S. relationship with its transatlantic partners has moved beyond "the bitter debate that we had in 2002 and 2003 over the issue of whether or not there should be a military intervention in Iraq," Undersecretary for Political Affairs R. Nicholas Burns said in an interview with the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung.

Burns extended his appreciation to the countries that maintained a troop presence in Iraq and asked other countries to remain "politically active to support the Iraqi government" by providing economic and other trade relations to the burgeoning country.

"This, we believe, is in the self-interest of the European countries, to see a stable, peaceful, successful Iraq in the future," Burns said.

The improved relationship between European nations and the United States is exemplified in the way the United States has found ways to discuss Iraq on positive terms, the secretary said.

Speaking to the Foreign Press Association in London, Burns emphasized the role of the international community in rebuilding Iraq by singling out "the political engagement of our government, and especially our Ambassador" to Iraq, Ryan Crocker.

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints


Additional News Stories
Penile tissue implants deemed success (10 min)
San Jacinto fault quake odds studied (40 min)
Abdul-Jabbar says he has leukemia (44 min)
Picower's estate to help Madoff victims
Watercooler Stories
Jockstrip: The world as we know it.
Your Daily Horoscope
fark
Man arrested for fighting with his girlfriend over a crack pipe. Oh, and trying to stab her. And...
Real men of genius: Today we celebrate you, Mr "posts a personal ad looking for lesbians to impregnate"...
Seven-point buck deer loses antler battle with elk. Fark: Because the elk was a concrete lawn ornament...
Caption the text message that made Leonardo DiCaprio grin from ear to ear
Police officer: your breath test shows no alcohol, enjoy the rest of your night. Driver: Thanks...
Make sure your cell phone is locked so you don't accidentally dial numbers. Numbers like 911. While...