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39 nations have pledged Iraq stabilisation forces: Rumsfeld
Washington, May 27: The process of rebuilding Iraq after the war will be difficult, but already 39 countries have pledged to contribute to the stabilisation forces in the country, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has said.
Washington, May 27: The process of rebuilding Iraq after the war will be difficult, but already 39 countries have pledged to contribute to the stabilisation forces in the country, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has said.
"Wherever possible, contracts for work promoting Iraq's recovery will go to those who will use Iraqi workers and to countries that supported the Iraqi people's liberation," he said in an article in today's 'The Wall Street Journal'.
Revealing that 39 nations have already offered stabilisation forces or other needed assistance for the postwar effort in Iraq, Rumsfeld said, "that number is growing. Together, coalition countries will seek to provide a secure environment, so that over time Iraqis will be able to take charge of their country."
If Iraq is able to move to the path of representative democracy, the impact in the region and the world could be dramatic, Rumsfeld said in the article titled "Core Principles For A Free Iraq."
Iraq could conceivably become a model "proof that a moderate Muslim state can succeed in the battle against extremism taking place in the Muslim world today," he said.
Rumsfeld pointed out that President Bush has outlined some of the broad principles that are critical if Iraq's transition from tyranny is to succeed: that Iraq be a single country which does not support terrorists, threaten its neighbours or the world with weapons of mass destruction, or threaten its population with terror and repression.
He also said Iraq should have a government that respects and protects minorities, provides opportunities for its people through a market economy, and justice through an independent judiciary and rule of law.
Bureau Report
Revealing that 39 nations have already offered stabilisation forces or other needed assistance for the postwar effort in Iraq, Rumsfeld said, "that number is growing. Together, coalition countries will seek to provide a secure environment, so that over time Iraqis will be able to take charge of their country."
If Iraq is able to move to the path of representative democracy, the impact in the region and the world could be dramatic, Rumsfeld said in the article titled "Core Principles For A Free Iraq."
Iraq could conceivably become a model "proof that a moderate Muslim state can succeed in the battle against extremism taking place in the Muslim world today," he said.
Rumsfeld pointed out that President Bush has outlined some of the broad principles that are critical if Iraq's transition from tyranny is to succeed: that Iraq be a single country which does not support terrorists, threaten its neighbours or the world with weapons of mass destruction, or threaten its population with terror and repression.
He also said Iraq should have a government that respects and protects minorities, provides opportunities for its people through a market economy, and justice through an independent judiciary and rule of law.
Bureau Report