I have very good discussions with the Minister today. We reviewed a range of issues related to Iraq. We have welcomed Egypt's very constructive role, both with respect to the broad issue of achieving greater stability and peace in Iraq, as well as Egypt's hosting of the Compact and the Neighbor's conferences to be held in Sharm el Sheikh in a very few weeks time.
This process of engagement of Iraq's Arab and regional neighbors, as well as the broader international community - on both economic issues in the form of the Compact, and also issues related to stability in Iraq, and the desire to see Iraq emerge as a force for peace in the region, is quite important. We look forward to continued engagement with Egypt as this process moves forward.
Again, the discussions were extremely constructive, very positive. We look forward, as do the Governments of Egypt and Iraq, to successful meetings in Sharm el Sheikh.
Question: Don't you think a timeline for withdrawal will help in making Iraq more stable?
Ambassador Satterfield: We believe that setting a rigid timetable or establishing rigid benchmarks, which are tied to our ability as a government to maintain either a military presence or to provide civilian assistance, is counter productive. There is no question that we want to see progress in Iraq. The region demands it. The Iraqi people demand it. Certainly the American people and Congress demand it. One cannot conduct either a military campaign to achieve greater security, or move forward on a diplomatic and political campaign to see progress on reconciliation, based on a rigid timeline or rigid benchmarks.
Question: What are your expectations for the upcoming meetings in Egypt?
Ambassador Satterfield: We are very confident that the two ministerial meetings to be held in Sharm el Sheikh , with respect to the International Compact for Iraq and the Neighbors meeting will be positive and will be successful.
Thank you very much.
Embassy
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