BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - The new American ambassador to Iraq said Saturday that the U.S. mission now was focused on helping the Iraqi interim government prepare for elections, creating an effective Iraqi security service and rebuilding the country's economy and infrastructure.
In his first press briefing since the United States handed over power to the interim Iraqi government June 28, Ambassador John D. Negroponte said the country faced widespread challenges, but he remained "hopeful" and "optimistic" that the country could become a success story.
"I think all the ingredients for success are there," he told reporters during a luncheon in the fortified "Green Zone" enclave that houses the U.S. and British embassies.
Negroponte spoke hours after a car bomb attack on Justice Minister Malik Dohan al-Hassan's convoy killed four people. Al-Hassan was not injured.
http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20040717/D83SK8PG0.html
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
