Excerpts: Robert Gates' hearing

Robert Gates, nominated by President George W Bush to replace Donald Rumsfeld as US defence secretary, has appeared before members of the US Senate for a confirmation hearing. Below are key excerpts.

The department of defence, in peace time and in war time, always faces multiple challenges, many of which were identified in the questions the committee asked me to answer.

If I am confirmed by the Senate, I will do my best to bring progress in addressing as many of these challenges as possible.

At the same time, I am under no illusion why I am sitting before you today - the war in Iraq. Addressing the challenges we face in Iraq must, and will, be my highest priority, if confirmed.

If confirmed I plan urgently to consult with our military leaders and our combat commanders in the field, as well as with others in the executive branch and in Congress.

I would then sit down with the president and members of the National Security Council to discuss the situation in Iraq and offer my thoughts and recommendations.

I will give most serious consideration to the views of those who lead our men and women in uniform. Of course, it is the president who will decide what, if any, changes are made in our approach...

Developments in Iraq over the next year or two will, I believe, shape the entire Middle East and greatly influence global geopolitics for many years to come.

Our course over the next year or two will determine whether the American and the Iraqi people and the next president of the United States will face a slowly but steadily improving situation in Iraq and in the region or will face the very real risk, and possible reality, of a regional conflagration.

We need to work together to develop a strategy that does not leave Iraq in chaos and that protects our long-term interests in, and hopes for, the region...

Mr Roberts was questioned about the war by Republican senator John McCain.

Mr McCain: "We are not winning the war in Iraq, is that correct?"

Mr Gates: "That is my view, yes sir."

Mr McCain: "And, therefore, the status quo is not acceptable?"

Mr Gates: "That is correct, sir."