Rumsfeld praises UK Iraq role

Donald Rumsfeld visited London last week

Donald Rumsfeld has paid tribute to the British forces for their help in the invasion of Iraq.

The US defence secretary said the "special relationship" between Britain and America was "stronger than ever".

Mr Rumsfeld met Tony Blair and UK Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon in London last week for talks.

Writing in the News of the World, Mr Rumsfeld said: "The liberation of Iraq would not have been possible without the valour and determination of the British forces working side by side with American troops.

"The world is a safer place today because of the men and women in the Royal Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Army."

The UK's main centre of operations in the battle for Iraq was in the south of the country, with a great deal of its energy expended in capturing Basra, the second city.

Our nations covet no territory or resource or military base - only a safer world

Donald Rumsfeld

Mr Rumsfeld recently visited Basra to meet British soldiers, who he described as "heroes".

He praised the way they had taken Basra "patiently and methodically".

He wrote: "We will never forget what they have done for their country, for the Iraqi people and for the world. Theirs was a great cause."

Mr Rumsfeld also paid tribute to the "eloquent and unwavering leadership" of Mr Blair as well as President Bush.

He added: "Our two nations stood together during two World Wars, the Cold War, in Afghanistan and in the global war against terror. Today, we stand together again.

"The 'special relationship' between the US and the UK is stronger than ever, and Americans are the better for it."

Mr Rumsfeld wrote that coalition forces would only stay in Iraq long enough to establish a stable democracy.

"Our nations covet no territory or resource or military base - only a safer world. The future of Iraq belongs to the Iraqi people."