Washington - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown declared Monday that he is committed to US President George W Bush's goal in Iraq and that the two allies must continue to work toward securing the country. "We have duties to discharge and responsibilities to keep in support of the democratically elected government and in support of the explicit will of the international community," Brown said in his first press conference with Bush since becoming prime minister in June.
Bush and Brown met at the Camp David presidential retreat outside Washington for two days of talks that began Sunday amid a great deal of speculation as to whether the leaders would enjoy the close relationship Bush has with Brown's predecessor Tony Blair.
Bush jumped to the issue at the beginning of the press conference, seeking to cast aside any questions about his ability to work with Brown while emphasizing the close ties between the United States and Britain.
"So everybody's wondering whether or not the prime minister and I were able to find common ground, to get along, to have a meaningful discussion," Bush said. "And the answer is absolutely."
Bush and Brown also discussed Iran's nuclear activities, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan's Darfur region and the US-EU effort to forge a trade plan to help boost the world's underdeveloped economies.
Brown arrived Sunday at Camp David, his first visit to the United States since succeeding Blair June 27.
While voicing support for the Iraqi government, Brown also hinted at the possible withdrawal of British forces by saying that three of the four Iraqi provinces under British domain have been transferred to the Iraqis.
"We intend to move to overwatch in the fourth province, and that decision will be made on the military advice of our commanders on the ground," Brown said.
Bush enjoyed a close personal relationship and political partnership with Blair, who stood by Bush over the war in Iraq despite the British public's strong disapproval of Blair's decision to order British participation in the 2003 invasion.
The continuing struggle in Iraq helped to undermine Blair and sped his departure from Downing Street. Observers believe Brown will stake out a more businesslike relationship with Bush that will emphasize common goals between the two countries.
Bush has also faced deep opposition to the conflict in Iraq at home and increasing calls to set a timeframe for withdrawing US troops.
Bush's top general in Iraq, David Petraeus, and US Ambassador Ryan Crocker, are due to report on the situation in Iraq in mid-September.
