Wednesday, September 13, 2006
UN RhetIraq: Annan Voices Views of Middle-East on Iraq
Who: Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General
Source: BBC
Quotes: From article titled, "Iraq war 'disaster for Mid-East'"
Kofi Annan, speaking at a briefing following his recent tour of the region, said that the timing of any US withdrawal was now a key issue.
... Mr Annan told reporters: "Most of the leaders I spoke to felt that the invasion of Iraq and its aftermath have been a real disaster for them...They believe it has destabilised the region."
But he also said many leaders wanted the Americans to stay in Iraq until the security situation improved, arguing that "having created the problem they cannot walk away".
He said other leaders, notably in Iran, felt "the presence of the US is a problem and that the US should leave, and if the US were to decide to leave, they would help them".
Mr Annan concluded: "So in a way, the US has found itself in a position where it cannot stay and it cannot leave.
Source: BBC
Quotes: From article titled, "Iraq war 'disaster for Mid-East'"
Kofi Annan, speaking at a briefing following his recent tour of the region, said that the timing of any US withdrawal was now a key issue.
... Mr Annan told reporters: "Most of the leaders I spoke to felt that the invasion of Iraq and its aftermath have been a real disaster for them...They believe it has destabilised the region."
But he also said many leaders wanted the Americans to stay in Iraq until the security situation improved, arguing that "having created the problem they cannot walk away".
He said other leaders, notably in Iran, felt "the presence of the US is a problem and that the US should leave, and if the US were to decide to leave, they would help them".
Mr Annan concluded: "So in a way, the US has found itself in a position where it cannot stay and it cannot leave.
