WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Restoring stability is the top priority in Iraq, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said.
"The main challenge is quite obvious: it's security," he told the Arabic-language al-Hayat newspaper in an interview.
Armitage added Iraq's neighbors Iran and Syria "should do more" to stop fighters crossing the border into Iraq where they attack U.S. and allied interests. He emphasized, however, that foreign fighters in Iraq make up only a small number, adding, "The main element is former regime folks who are fighting."
Armitage noted some positive developments in Iraq. He said Iraqi troops were now "carrying the battle" against insurgents and that they carried the "major burden" in the ongoing fighting in Najaf and in Mosul.
The deputy secretary also noted though the interim Iraqi government and the United Nations were committed to holding elections in January 2005, when "the security situation is resolved more positively, it will be easier to get people out to vote."
