Powell: security situation in Iraq is a challenge
Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/15/2003

The US Secretary Of State Colin Powell said that the security situation in Iraq still represents a challenge, but he stressed his confidence in the success of the American forces to achieving stability and democracy.

This came in conclusion of Powell's talks in Baghdad with Iraq's foreign minister Hoshiar Muhammad Zeibar. Powell said in statements that the new main threats are embodied in what he called "terrorists who try to sneak to the country with the aim of spoiling the process of achieving democracy in Iraq." He explained that his country will not permit this to take place.

Powell also held talks with members of the interim governing council concentrated on the effort to rebuilding and achieving stability in Iraq.

For his part, Zeibar expressed his hope to form a sovereign elected government in Iraq before the end of next year. Zeibar indicated that security will be a great responsibility when the Iraqis will assume complete control on the country in which 150,000 troops of the occupation forces are deployed.

The Iraqi minister said he had discussed with Powell the participation of an Iraqi delegation in the meetings of the UN General Assembly later this month.

The US secretary of state arrived in Baghdad yesterday coming from Kuwait in his first visit to Iraq since its occupation. Powell, who arrived on board of a military plane was welcomed by the American administrator of Iraq, Paul Bremer, and several US officers. He immediately held talks with Bremer and team of his administration.

Observers consider that Powell's visit basically aims at showing Washington's support for Bremer and members of the interim governing council and its emerging government.

Powell is considered the highest American official to visit Iraq since toppling the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and he is the first US secretary of state to hold talks in Baghdad in almost half a century.

Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ana Maria Palacio also visited Iraq. She inspected the Spanish forces base in al- Dewaneyah.

Previous Stories:
  Two Americans killed by Iraqis; US soldiers kill 11 Iraqis   (9/13/2003)
  Rumsfeld's views on achievements in Iraq   (9/6/2003)
  Bremer says Iraq moving on path to full sovereignty   (9/6/2003)
  First attack against the Bulgarians in Iraq   (8/30/2003)

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