Nato foreign ministers are trying to put Iraq war divisions behind them at a summit in Madrid, focusing on the alliance’s role in fighting international terrorism. The two-day meeting, opened on Tuesday by Secretary-General Lord Robertson, is reviewing plans for Nato to take charge of peacekeeping in Afghanistan, and will offer backup to Polish peacekeepers in Iraq. Officials say they see both missions as signs the alliance is making good on pledges to move beyond its frontiers to confront worldwide security threats. “Once again, Nato is called upon to change and to face new challenges,” said Lord Robertson in his opening speech. “These new tasks reinforce an enduring truth: Nato combines flexibility and effectiveness like no other organisation.” On the eve of the meeting, 19 allied governments cleared plans drawn up by Nato military headquarters to help Poland put together a multinational force of 7,000 – due to be deployed in central Iraq by August. Nato will also provide intelligence, communications, transport and other logistical help in its first direct involvement in Iraq since the war which caused deep divisions within the alliance. Full Story
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