Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today completed a two-day visit to Baghdad and surrounding areas as part of a Congressional delegation to the Middle East and Europe. The delegation will continue on to Jordan, Israel, Britain, and France. McCain is joined by Senators Joe Lieberman (I/D-CT) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

 

"Our brave American men and women in uniform have made remarkable progress," said McCain.  "We must continue to build on the clear successes of the 'surge' strategy by giving General Petraeus and the troops under his command the time and support they have requested to carry out their mission." 

 

The CODEL visited Mosul, a center of U.S. and Iraqi operations aimed at countering al Qaeda, and Haditha, a city in the western province of Al Anbar. He also traveled to Baghdad, Iskandariyah, and the Camp Bucca detention center in southern Iraq.  In an effort to better understand developments and progress on the ground, McCain and the CODEL met with Iraqi leaders, including Prime Minister Maliki, held discussions with U.S. officials, and met with General David Petraeus, Ambassador Ryan Crocker, and General Stanley McChrystal.  They also visited U.S. troops in the field.

 

Senator McCain congratulated Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki on recent legislative achievements, including passage of a long-awaited de-Baathification law, and a partial amnesty for detainees aimed at promoting reconciliation.  "These are steps in the right direction.  We need to see further steps toward improved governance, the rule of law, and reconciliation in Iraq," McCain said.

 

"During my visit it was clear once again that the road ahead will be long and hard, but that the alternative - to accept defeat in Iraq - would be disastrous.  I hope that our troops can return home as soon as possible, but that they must do so with the honor and success earned by their tremendous efforts and sacrifices."