“Withdrawal from Iraq if Elected President”

Senator John Kerry, the de facto U.S. Democratic Party presidential candidate, stated on May 19, that if elected, he would withdraw all U.S. forces from the “death zone,” Iraq, during his term.

Saying as much in an interview with AP editors this day, Senator Kerry added, “U.S. servicemen and women will be withdrawn from Iraq with their dignity intact and national interests adequately protected.”

He claimed, “President George W. Bush is damaging relations with all allies,” and asserted, “Only a new president will be able to restore close ties.”

Regarding the reshuffling of U.S. troops stationed in foreign countries, Senator Kerry said, “Though I am not saying that the troops will not be deployed, they will not be stationed at volatile ‘death zones’ like they are now. If I am elected, I will persuade other countries to send peacekeeping troops to Iraq.”

Young-Sik Kim spear@donga.com