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New Delhi: Allaying apprehensions that the US forces in Iraq could be withdrawn in view of the American Presidential elections in November, 2004, US Charge d' Affaires Robert Blake today (Dec 10, 2003) said they will not leave the war-ravaged country "until the job is done, and done right".

"We fully believe that the Iraqi people are capable of establishing and supporting a Democratic Government in the near future, and we will remain there to help make it happen," Blake said while addressing the Economic Society at St Stephens College in New Delhi.

Observing that Indo-US relationship was the "strongest it has ever been", he said the level of candour, seriousness and shared purpose in bilateral discussions on Iraq was a "good signpost" of how dramatically the relationship has changed.

He said both sides agreed on the ultimate objective of creating a free, democratic, secure and prosperous society in Iraq. "We have only disagreed only in our tactics," he said, adding this was done without vitriol or accusation or inflamed rhetoric.

"We always speak to one another regarding Iraq with respect, and in the context of our burgeoning bilateral ties and strategic interests. That is an important example of the increasing maturity of the transformed US-India relationship," he said.

PTI