Aussie Held Hostage in Iraq Visits P.M. (apologizes for pullout request)

[Barrett808]

Aussie Held Hostage in Iraq Visits P.M.
By ROD McGUIRK
ASSOCIATED PRESS

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - An Australian rescued after being held hostage for 47 days by insurgents in Baghdad thanked the prime minister Tuesday for efforts made to free him, and apologized for urging coalition forces to withdraw from Iraq.

Both longtime Californian resident Douglas Wood and Prime Minister John Howard admitted during their meeting they had harbored doubts about such a meeting ever taking place during the weeks when Wood's survival was uncertain.

"Great to see you," Howard said when Wood entered the prime minister's office in Parliament House.

"Likewise, great to be able to see you," Wood replied. "I didn't think I could see you for a long time."

Howard shared the sentiment. "I didn't think I could see you," Howard laughed.

(more)

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/w-aus/2005/jul/12/071209834.html