Rumsfeld was in Shannon for a few hours today

national | miscellaneous | news report Saturday April 26, 2003 22:22 by Foiled again

His flight was delayed

The defense secretary has denied reports that the United States is considering an arrangement to have permanent access to some bases in Iraq. Long, dangerous and difficult work remains in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Rumsfeld said told reporters aboard his plane, which stopped in Ireland to refuel. The flight was delayed several hours as workers fixed brake pads on the landing gear which broke during the landing. "One ought not to think of this as a victory tour," Rumsfeld said, noting that coalition forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan still are coming under sporadic attacks. "The task before us in Iraq will take a lot of focused attention over a period of time." Rumsfeld said that in Afghanistan he will discuss with Afghan leaders and U.S. military officials a formal declaration that major combat is over. He would not say whether a similar declaration for Iraq is imminent.