Mukasey sees progress in Iraqi rule of law

BAGHDAD, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- In a surprise visit to Baghdad, U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey highlighted what U.S. officials see as the future of the Iraqi justice system.

In his first visit to Iraq since taking office in November 2007, Mukasey met with Iraqi judiciary officials, Gen. Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker among others to highlight what the U.S. Justice Department says is progress in advancing what it calls the rule of law.

"The United States is at a critical juncture in Iraq, and the Justice Department is working to ensure sustainability of the freedom and security for which our men and women in uniform have so bravely fought and sacrificed," Mukasey said in a statement.

"Our civilian volunteers are working with the Iraqi people to build a legal system fashioned by cultures and customs very different from our own but founded upon the same bedrock principles: due process and the rule of law."

Mukasey says he is convinced the work of the U.S. Defense Department and State Department has resulted in progress in the country.

"Our (Justice Department) efforts, combined with those of the Departments of State and Defense, have already resulted in significant progress, and we will continue to pursue ways to help the Iraqi people achieve a stable and transparent government."