Iraq TV: Bush Sorry for Quran Shooting

[unhappycamper]

Iraq TV: Bush Sorry for Quran Shooting
May 20, 2008
Associated Press

President George Bush has apologized to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki over the shooting of a Koran by an U.S. Soldier near Baghdad, Iraqi state television reportedly announced May 20.

The White House apology, if true, follows one delivered to the Iraqi prime minister and vice president May 19 by the No. 2 U.S. commander in Iraq, Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III.

Military officials in Iraq said May 19 that Austin paid individual visits to each of the two leaders and to the Sunni speaker of parliament in an attempt to soothe anger over an American sniper using a copy of the Quran for target practice.

The visits were seen as underlining the American eagerness to make amends for the incident, particularly among Sunni Arabs who have become key allies in the fight against insurgents.

In their meeting in his office, Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, the top Sunni Arab in the government, told Austin that "the feelings of bitterness and anger cannot be eased unless there is a deterrent punishment and real guarantees" such an incident won't be repeated, according to al-Hashemi's office.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/iraq-tv-bush-sorry-for-quran-shooting.html