Cohen: US will continue efforts to contain Iraq

US Defense Secretary William Cohen has stressed upon arriving in Bahrain on Monday that the US will continue its encouragement of changing the government in Iraq.

Cohen said that he hoped that the opposition that stands against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein inside the country will be able to change the government "one day."

Cohen added that the opposition forces feel frustrated because this changing the Iraqi government takes time, but, "They realize that they should continue their efforts, otherwise Saddam will once again get out of his box."

Cohen defended the US containment policy, saying, "I believe that all countries of the region realize well that Saddam is not able to get out from the box he is in."

He indicated that the sufferings of the Iraqi people are a result of Saddam Hussein's policy rather than the sanctions.

SANA said that Cohen arrived on Monday in Manama at the beginning of his Middle East tour.

In addition to Bahrain, Cohen is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Israel.