From the new World Media Watch up now at
http://www.zianet.com/insightanalyticalTomorrow at Buzzflash.com
1//The Independent, UK Published: 10 February 2006
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article344489.ece DOUBTS OVER WITHDRAWAL OF UK TROOPS FROM IRAQ
By Colin Brown, Deputy Political Editor
Doubts about the withdrawal of coalition troops from Iraq were raised last night after the Cabinet Office rejected calls for an audit to be published on the readiness of Iraqi forces to take over their own security.
The request to publish the report by the retired US General Gary Luck was made under the Freedom of Information Act by Sir Menzies Campbell, the acting leader of the Liberal Democrats. But it was rejected on the grounds that it would "impact negatively upon the UK's international relations".
MPs said the report suggested that the withdrawal of some coalition troops later this year would be a gesture to relieve pressure in the US and Britain for the pull-out to begin, but that Iraqi forces were not ready for a large-scale reduction in US and British troops.
Tony Blair told MPs last year he wanted to publish the wide-ranging audit on the Iraqi forces by General Luck which had been ordered by Donald Rumsfeld, the US Defence Secretary. The Cabinet Office said publication would "significantly prejudice the UK's important interests with the US".
Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman, protested about a possible cover-up. "What does the report say about troop withdrawal - and have coalition mistakes prolonged our commitment?"
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