Rumsfeld meets 'remarkable' UK troops

icNewcastle ^ | April 30 2003

[knighthawk]

US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has paid tribute to the role of British soldiers in the war in Iraq, calling it "a truly remarkable accomplishment".

Mr Rumsfeld met British troops in Basra on his first visit to Iraq since the beginning of hostilities.

He became the only American politician to set foot on Iraqi soil since the war began, following the visit of British Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon last week.

Mr Rumsfeld met a handful of British soldiers, selected for their heroism during the war, and was expected to visit US troops in Baghdad later today.

He had a message for the Iraqi people which he would deliver later today, he said.

"When one looks back at this effort, I hope and pray that what will be significant is the large number of human beings, intelligent and energetic, that have been liberated," he told reporters.

"They are out from under the heel of a truly vicious regime, and that is a good thing."

Speaking about the role of British soldiers, he said: "It is a truly remarkable accomplishment they have had."

Tight security surrounded Mr Rumsfeld's 45-minute visit to Basra International Airport, with Army marksmen on the roof of the terminal building, snipers on the runway and his six-strong team of black-clad personal bodyguards travelling with him.

[knighthawk]

Ping

[facedown]

Rummy bump.

[MEG33]

I'm glad he had a visit with our Brit allies.

[ken5050]

One of the real shorcomings of the media coverage during the war was how they completely abandoned the British briefings...and how they gave little coverage of what the Brits were doing in Basra. Also, the Aussie SFs were ignored. I think there will be some amazing stories to come out of the Westrern Iraqi desert.

[MeekMom]

I certainly agree!
Thank you Tony & Howie!

[MEG33]

I read some of the articles in the Aussie papers and Mad Ivan kept us up on Brit news.I saw one Brit briefing.I have hailed the leadership of Blair and Howard. I agree we will hear more.

[dixiechick2000]

Brit bump!

[hook2]

First of all, Mr. Rumsfeld is not a politician. He is appointed by the President, and approved by the Senate. That said, the Brits are outstanding troops. I worked with their armor units while at Graf in 1966.