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Rumsfeld, Chileans Discuss Iraq, Mutual Interests
Monday, November 18, 2002
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and Chilean Defense Minister Michelle Bachelet meet the press following their meeting Nov. 18, 2002, in the Chilean capital of Santiago. Rumsfeld is in Chile to attend the fifth Defense Ministerial of the Americas, which starts Nov. 19.
Image Credit: Jim Garamone -- AFIS.

WASHINGTON -- AFIS
Iraq has no business firing on coalition aircraft engaged in activities that support U.N. Security Council resolutions, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said here Nov. 18.

Rumsfeld, here to attend the fifth Defense Ministerial of the Americas, fielded questions along with Chilean Defense Minister Michelle Bachelet. He had just finished meeting with Chilean President Ricardo Lagos.

Chile is important to the Global War on Terrorism because it will take a seat on the U.N. Security Council in January, which is when the world body is expected to begin debating the results of U.N. inspections in Iraq.

Bachelet said she and Rumsfeld discussed Chile taking the seat on the U.N. body, but she didn't elaborate.

Rumsfeld expressed some frustration that Iraq has fired on coalition aircraft yet again. He said no defense secretary "past, present or future" would find the Iraqi provocations acceptable. He said U.S. and British responses to the hostile acts are measured, and that it is up to President Bush and the Security Council what ultimately may happen.
(More: DoD News Source)
2002 © The United States Department of Defense.

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