Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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July 31, 2007

Bush, Brown Conclude Camp David Talks
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=18516C1:A6F02AD83191E1603466F33BFD8D20849574F7DCC14957C0 Leaders stressed
relations between two countries are strong, despite change at top of
British government and strong public pressure in Britain to get out of
Iraq President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown
are emphasizing common ground following talks at Camp David - the U.S.
presidential retreat outside Washington. VOA White House Correspondent
Paula Wolfson reports it was the first meeting between the two men
since Mr. Brown took office last month.







Gordon Brown, left, with George W. Bush at Camp David, 30 Jul 2007The
U.S. and British leaders appeared relaxed as they faced reporters
after their talks.

They stressed relations between the two countries are strong, despite
the change at the top of the British government and strong public
pressure in Britain to get out of Iraq.

Britain has been America's closest ally throughout the Iraq war. And
Mr. Brown's predecessor - Tony Blair - was chastised at home for his
close ties with the Bush administration.

Gordon Brown said the 5,500 British troops will stay in Iraq until
their mission is complete.

"In Iraq, we have duties to discharge and responsibilities to keep."

He said the United States and Britain want to create conditions where
the Iraqis can take control.

Mr. Brown noted British forces have already moved from combat to -
what he called - an "overwatch" role in three of the four provinces
where they have security responsibilities.

"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," he said.

His comments were in line with those made repeatedly in recent months
by President Bush - that decisions on U.S. troop levels are dependent
on the situation in Iraq.

The president stressed he is waiting for a report to Congress in
mid-September by U.S. Commander in Iraq General David Petraeus before
ordering any changes or modifications in strategy. When asked if he
thought the war would continue through next year's U.S. presidential
election campaign and past the inauguration of his successor in
January 2009, Mr. Bush hinted that may well be the case.

"I have said this is going to take a long time in Iraq, just like the
ideological struggle (against extremists) is going to take a long
time," he said.

President Bush made clear that he believes Britain remains committed
to the struggle in Iraq. He said Gordon Brown understands all that is
at stake.

"There is no doubt in my mind that Gordon Brown understands that
failure in Iraq would be a disaster for the security of our own
countries," the president said.

In his comments after the talks - and in an opinion article printed in
the Washington Post - Prime Minster Brown spoke of the unique
partnership between the United States and Britain on all sorts of
global problems. He said this relationship is founded on more than
just common interests and common history.

"It is a partnership founded and driven forward by our shared values -
what Winston Churchill, who was the first British prime minister to
visit Camp David, called 'the joint inheritance of liberty, a belief
in opportunity for all, a belief in the dignity of every human being,'
the prime minister said.

The talks at the presidential retreat focused on a wide range of
issues besides Iraq. They included the situation in Darfur, how best
to revive the current round of world trade talks, and diplomatic
efforts to keep Iran from acquiring the technology needed for nuclear
weapons.

After a final luncheon session with President Bush and top aides, Mr.
Brown was scheduled to stop in Washington to consult with
congressional leaders. Before returning to London, he will travel on
to New York where he will deliver a speech at the United Nations and
meet with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.


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