UN Chief Against Abrupt U.S. Iraq Pullout

[Guest Patriot Games]

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2007/7/16/212858.shtml?s=lh

 

U.N. Chief Against Abrupt U.S. Iraq Pullout

NewsMax.com Wires Tuesday, July 17, 2007

 

UNITED NATIONS -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned on Monday that an

abrupt U.S. troop pullout could deepen the crisis in Iraq, and he urged the

United States to keep the Iraqi people in mind in making any decisions on

the increasingly unpopular war.

 

Although Ban expressed reluctance to jump into Washington's fierce debate

over Iraq, he emphasized that the rest of the world has a stake in the

outcome of the conflict. He said that both the United States and the

international community have a responsibility not to abandon the Iraqi

people.

 

"It is not my place to inject myself into this discussion taking place

between the American people and the administration and Congress," Ban told a

news conference when asked about the U.N. view on a pullout. "However, I

would like to tell you that great caution should be taken for the sake of

the Iraqi people."

 

"Any abrupt withdrawal or decision may lead to a further deterioration of

the situation in Iraq," Ban said.

 

It was a rare comment from the U.N. chief on Washington's Iraq policy, and

came amid increasing calls in Congress and the American public for the

withdrawal of U.S. forces. Ban is scheduled to meet with President Bush at

the White House on Tuesday, and the secretary-general said the Iraq conflict

would be high on the agenda.

 

Since taking office in January, Ban has pushed for wider international

efforts to stabilize Iraq. Earlier this year, he lobbied world powers to

provide financial assistance for a sweeping five-year economic and political

reform package. The package, known as the International Compact for Iraq,

was launched in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt in early May.

 

He has also expressed interest in expanding the U.N. role in providing

humanitarian assistance to Iraq and promoting political reconciliation,

though he has warned that the country's insecurity has undermined that goal.

 

"While we know it is a very difficult process, the international community,

together with the United Nations, should do whatever we can to help the

Iraqi people," Ban said.

 

Ban said the Iraqi people are going through a very difficult period and

suffering greatly.

 

"It is exactly why the international community, United Nations ... should

help Iraqi people and government so that they can overcome this difficulty

as soon as possible," he said.