US military commander for the Mideast resigns

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-13-2008 09:11

The US top military commander for the Middle East, Admiral William Fallon, has resigned amid speculation about a rift over the US policy in Iran.

The US top military commander for the Middle East, Admiral William Fallon, has resigned amid speculation about a rift over the US policy in Iran.(CCTV.com)

Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he has agreed to Admiral Fallon's request for permission to retire.

Gates says the decision, effective from March 31st, is that entirely of Fallon's and Gates says he believes it is "the right thing to do."

Robert Gates, US Defense Secretary, said, "I am presented with dealing with Admiral Fallon's decision, and as I say I think it's the right decision. As I say, the notion that this decision portends anything in terms of a change in Iran policy is to quote myself, ridiculous."

Fallon is the subject of an article published last week in Esquire magazine that portrays him as being opposed to President George W. Bush's Iran policy.

It describes Fallon as a lone voice, against taking military action to stop the Iranian nuclear programme.

Fallon has issued a statement from Iraq, through his US headquarters in Florida. He denies any differences over the policy objectives in the Central Command area of responsibility.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei