Thursday, January 18, 2007

Gates says U.S. committed to Gulf

BRUSSELS, Belgium — Moving another carrier strike group to the Persian Gulf region and manning Patriot anti-missile batteries there is a way of telling the people of the area that the United States has an enduring interest in peace, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here Monday.

The addition of the USS Stimson group will mean two carrier groups in the region for the first time since 2004, officials said.

With Iranian moves in the region, the addition of the Navy and anti-missile capability was a prudent move, officials said.

“Multiple presidents have decided that U.S. presence in the region is in the long-term strategic interests of the United States,” Gates said at a news conference at NATO headquarters. “We are reaffirming the importance of the Gulf to the United States and the determination to be a strong presence in the area for a long time into the future.”

He said the Iranian government is doing nothing to be constructive in Iraq, and officials traveling with Gates said the Iranians are helping to arm groups in Iraq that are targeting U.S. service members. “In addition they have supported Hezbollah’s efforts to create a new conflict in Lebanon,” Gates said.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has already said she would talk with her Iranian counterpart anytime at anyplace once Iran ends its uranium enrichment effort. “The opportunity is there for engagement, but I would say that the initiative needs to rest with the Iranians,” Gates said.