Biden launches new mission in Iraq

VICE-PRESIDENT Joe Biden yesterday launched a new American military mission in Iraq, ushering in a fresh phase in a seven-year-old deployment that has cost the lives of more than 4,400 troops.

Addressing soldiers at Camp Victory outside Baghdad a day after the United States combat role in Iraq officially came to an end, Biden expressed confidence that the worst days of the conflict were over.

Calling for unity around the new mission, he also acknowledged that the 2003 invasion had split United States public opinion.

"It is no secret that this war has divided Americans but they have never shrunk from the united support of the United States military," Biden said.

"Now is the time to put these differences behind us," he added.

"Operation Iraqi Freedom is over but American engagement with Iraq will continue with the mission that began today, Operation New Dawn."

The US vice president acknowledged the heavy toll paid by Iraqis during the conflict but expressed confidence that the worst was over.AFP