Delegation of US lawmakers to travel next week to Iraq

WASHINGTON (AFP) Jun 27, 2003
A delegation of US senators, including senior members of senate panels currently probing alleged distortions in US pre-war intelligence on Iraq, will travel there next week for a firsthand look at security conditions and other concerns, lawmakers announced Thursday.

The group will include Armed Services Committee chairman Republican Senator John Warner and the committee's senior Democrat Carl Levin, as well as Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Republican Pat Roberts and that committee's top-ranking Democrat, Jay Rockefeller.

In a statement, the lawmakers said the trip will focus on military matters, including the security situation in Iraq, along with reconstruction issues and the continuing search for weapons of mass destruction.

Also taking part in the delegation are Senators Susan Collins, Jack Reed, Ben Nelson, Mark Dayton and John Cornyn.

The lawmakers plan to meet with US officials, members of the US and coalition Armed Forces, and regional heads of state, according to the statement.

WAR.WIRE