November 24, 2003	Monday	Ramazan 28, 1424

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TIKRIT, Nov 23: A top American general visiting a US base in Saddam Hussein’s hometown said on Sunday coalition troops would stay in Iraq as long as it takes to restore stability, and stressed no decision had been made on the duration of the deployment.

“We’re going to do what it takes to get the job done,” General Peter Pace, vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during a visit to a military base in Tikrit, a flashpoint of anti-US activity, 180 kilometers north of Baghdad.

“What we’re committed to as a coalition, not just the United States but all of our coalition partners, we’re committed to providing a stable environment inside of which the Iraqi people can have their basic laws written, their constitution written, their elections held,” he said.

“So, we’re going to stay with the Iraqi people through that transition period; to put a date on that would be wrong, to put a number on that would be wrong,” said Pace, a four-star US Marines general.

“I understand that there are folks who would like things to move faster ... but first we have to set up a secure environment, then you have to have the economy and governance take hold,” the general said.

“You look at the accomplishment of the coalition since March of this year, it’s been enormous,” Pace told journalists during a brief visit to the headquarters of Taskforce Iron horse, which consists mainly of the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.

He said his visit was intended to show appreciation for the soldiers’ sacrifices in Iraq.—AFP