NELSON MEETS WITH FRENCH, GERMAN AMBASSADORS

Nebraska’s Senator Wants More Involvement in Iraq from Allies

Washington, DC – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson wants America’s allies France and Germany, under the authority of NATO, to shoulder more of the burden for security in Iraq.

On Thursday, Nelson met with French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte and German Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger in his Capitol Hill office. Nelson pressed the ambassadors on the possibility of NATO forces assuming some of the security responsibilities in Iraq post-June 30. Also, Nelson discussed the idea of having United Nations diplomats organize elections in Iraq. Nelson was hoping the ambassadors could discuss these matters with government leaders in their nations.

“The point of the meetings was to get a sense from them what they are willing to do to help Iraq transition to a sovereign government,” said Nelson. “I wanted to share some ideas and hear their thoughts, especially as we are getting closer to the June 30 transfer date.”

Nelson called for NATO involvement in Iraq on April 8, 2003. He has been pressing military leaders and Administration officials to consider the involvement of NATO forces for security purposes in Iraq. NATO conducts similar operations now in Afghanistan.

Nelson has also been calling for more United Nations involvement in supporting the new Iraqi government and to assist in establishing an elections process in Iraq. Nelson also wants the UN to lead humanitarian efforts in Iraq when stability is achieved.

“After June 30, or the transfer of authority, the new Iraqi government could request NATO support for security operations,” said Senator Nelson. “I am trying to get an idea if the problem is the message or the messenger. If a new sovereign government asks for help, will France and Germany respond?”

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	Press Release	April 9, 2004
NELSON MEETS WITH FRENCH, GERMAN AMBASSADORS Nebraska’s Senator Wants More Involvement in Iraq from Allies Washington, DC – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson wants America’s allies France and Germany, under the authority of NATO, to shoulder more of the burden for security in Iraq. On Thursday, Nelson met with French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte and German Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger in his Capitol Hill office. Nelson pressed the ambassadors on the possibility of NATO forces assuming some of the security responsibilities in Iraq post-June 30. Also, Nelson discussed the idea of having United Nations diplomats organize elections in Iraq. Nelson was hoping the ambassadors could discuss these matters with government leaders in their nations. “The point of the meetings was to get a sense from them what they are willing to do to help Iraq transition to a sovereign government,” said Nelson. “I wanted to share some ideas and hear their thoughts, especially as we are getting closer to the June 30 transfer date.” Nelson called for NATO involvement in Iraq on April 8, 2003. He has been pressing military leaders and Administration officials to consider the involvement of NATO forces for security purposes in Iraq. NATO conducts similar operations now in Afghanistan. Nelson has also been calling for more United Nations involvement in supporting the new Iraqi government and to assist in establishing an elections process in Iraq. Nelson also wants the UN to lead humanitarian efforts in Iraq when stability is achieved. “After June 30, or the transfer of authority, the new Iraqi government could request NATO support for security operations,” said Senator Nelson. “I am trying to get an idea if the problem is the message or the messenger. If a new sovereign government asks for help, will France and Germany respond?” -30- ###