UK 'concerned' about American flag-raising
London - A senior British official expressed concern on Friday about the symbolism of US forces raising their nation's flag in Iraq.
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon promised to discuss the issue with US officials after a lawmaker complained that a reported flag-raising by US marines in southern Iraq "sends out an unfortunate signal about the nature of the operation."
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On Wednesday, a British commander warned his troops not to engage in flag-waving.
"We go to liberate, not to conquer," Lieutenant Colonel Tim Collins said in a speech to the 1st battalion of the Irish Guards.
"We will not fly our flags in their country. We are entering Iraq to free a people and the only flag which will be flown in that ancient land is their own. Show respect for them," Collins said.
