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Gordon Brown to meet top US military commander
21.08.09
US military leader General David Petraeus will meet Prime Minister Gordon Brown today, a Downing Street spokesman confirmed.
The head of US Central Command will meet privately with Mr Brown at an undisclosed location in Scotland.
Gen Petraeus today declared that Britain's elite SAS was "absolutely spectacular" and showed "extraordinary skill" during conflict in Iraq.
He told The Sun newspaper: "I have always been impressed by the courage, capacity for independent action, skill and exceptional will of your soldiers.
"It's what sets forces in the UK - and I'd argue the US and a handful of other countries - apart from all others in the world.
"22 SAS are absolutely spectacular. We felt privileged to have them in Iraq. Brits should be very proud of all their forces and take special pride in their special forces."
Gen Petraeus moved from his role as commander of US forces in Iraq to head the US Central Command last October and now oversees US military operations across the Middle East and Central Asia.
He also paid tribute to UK forces fighting the Taliban in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
"British troops have been in a very tough place and they have done exceedingly well."
It was "enormously important" to ensure that Afghanistan did not again become a "sanctuary for al Qaida and other extremists" who had carried out attacks in Britain, he added.
Reader views (2)
Noted that the US general was a whole lot more impressed with the SAS than with the muppet heading up the current government. He'll be pleased to know he's not alone.
- Marianne, SW France/London
Meeting at a "secret location in Scotland"?
The Labour spin and waffle machine will ensure there are plenty of photographers and reporters present at this "secret location" to drip-feed snippets of propaganda to the multitudes.
Would it not have been cheaper to hold the "meeting" by video link - or, is that too simple?
- Reuben Camara, Principality of Morecambe, EUSSR
