They are happy to hear American statements that Iraqis will run the country.

The American statement said the issue of possible damage to birds had been well studied.

"We will not pressure them to leave against their will," an American diplomatic statement said.

There was clear unease here over some American statements in recent days.

The American statement characterized today's security meeting as "positive and constructive."

I have read the American statements speaking of friends in the area.

But repeated American statements last year made it apparent that America did not regard us as friends.

The American statement said only that "civilians in the area reported two dead personnel were taken to a nearby hospital."

But today's American statement dismissed the Soviet offer, calling it unacceptable.

Six of the eight died from explosions near their vehicles, according to an American military statement.