Germany will grant U.S. military forces overflight and transit rights and unimpeded use of its bases in case of a war on Iraq, Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said Wednesday, according to AP.
But Schroeder said Germany's decision to avoid direct military involvement in Iraq remains unchanged. Schroeder's strong opposition to military action against Iraq had strained relations with Washington.
Schroeder told a news conference that the approval to grant U.S. forces the military rights came following an American request for any support it could give to a military campaign against Iraq.
Germany would guarantee "overflight rights for the United States and other NATO member states that want them, smooth transit for troops of the United States and the NATO members, (and) use of U.S. military installations in Germany by the United States and the members," he said. (Albawaba.com)
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