McCain hails UK troops

3/20/2008 - 2:45:43 PM

US presidential hopeful John McCain today acknowledged the “frustration” of British public opinion at the slow progress of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Speaking following talks in Downing Street with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Mr McCain praised the “long service and sacrifice” of the British forces in the two countries.

However, while he is strongly committed to the US operation in Iraq, he said it was a matter for the British Government how long the UK maintained troops there.

“I believe that that decision is made by the British Government and people,” he said.

“We appreciate enormously the long service and sacrifice of the British servicemen and women in the military, both in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I fully appreciate that British public opinion has been frustrated by sometimes our lack of progress in both areas.

“All I can do is express my gratitude to the British Government and people, especially the brave young people who are serving.”