Rumsfeld cautious over Iraqi arms

Rumsfeld and General Franks addressed US troops

United States Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has said it is too early to decide whether Iraq is co-operating with the international community over disarmament.

He was addressing American troops in the Gulf state of Qatar, which is hosting a major US-led military exercise that is seen as a rehearsal for a possible war with Iraq.

The US is involved in a huge computer-based exercise

Mr Rumsfeld said Iraq's declaration on its weapons programme was one indication that it was complying with the United Nations' demands, but more time was needed to study the document.

While in Qatar, Mr Rumsfeld signed a new military pact upgrading the bases used by American forces.

Correspondents say the comments about Iraq were remarkably low-key. Mr Rumsfeld did not mention Baghdad in his initial comments, which highlighted Washington's war of terror.

During the questions-and-answers session, the defence secretary was asked about Iraq's co-operation with UN weapons inspectors.

He said it would take time to study the 12,000-page Iraqi declaration - which was handed over last weekend.

Tests

Mr Rumsfeld said the document was only one indication that Iraq was responding to the latest UN resolution on disarmament.

Another test, he said, would be whether the Iraqis continued to fire on patrolling US and British aircraft.

	:	Military balance
Iraqi and US forces in the region

Mr Rumsfeld said it would be "out of line" for him to make a judgement on Iraqi co-operation at this stage. "Time will tell," he added.

Mr Rumsfeld addressed the troops alongside General Tommy Franks - who would lead any American attack against Iraq.

Mr Rumsfeld and General Franks are overseeing Operation Internal Look, a war games exercise that is held every two years, involving US, British and other nations' troops.

Key ally

The BBC's Peter Biles in Qatar says it is the first time the exercise has been staged outside the US, and it is being seen as a rehearsal for a possible attack on Iraq.

On Wednesday the US and Qatar signed a military pact that allowing American forces to use airbases in the Gulf state.

Mr Rumsfeld said the pact would improve America's military readiness.

Officially the agreement is not connected to events in Iraq.

The US already has 4,000-5,000 soldiers in Qatar, and the tiny Gulf state is fast shaping up as one of Washington's most important allies in the region.