Commander backs Iraqi PM after criticism

[sabra]

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2507436

Commander backs Iraqi PM after criticism


Sep 29, 2006 — BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The commander of U.S. forces in Iraq issued an unusual statement declaring support for Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Friday, after news media quoted senior U.S. military officials criticizing the government.

As violence in Iraq worsens, military and civilian officials in the U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq have been expressing concern over the past week that Maliki has failed to rein in death squads or stop corruption in his elected, unity government.

"Recent news articles cite unnamed senior military officials as being critical of Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his government," the media office of the top commander in Iraq, General George Casey, said in a statement.

"These unattributed comments do not reflect the close partnership between the Government of Iraq and Multi-National Force-Iraq. We fully support the courageous and decisive efforts of the prime minister and the (government)."

It quoted Casey himself calling Maliki "a determined, courageous leader taking on some very difficult issues."