Stakes are high says new US Iraq commander

Baghdad: The new top US commander in Iraq said on Saturday that the stakes are high but the situation is "not hopeless" as American and Iraqi forces move to end the sectarian violence threatening to tear apart the country.

General David Petraeus made the comments at a ceremony that saw him officially take control of US forces in Iraq from General George Casey, who will be the next army chief of staff.

He said, "The stakes are high. The way ahead will be hard but it is not hopeless. We can and we must prevail. This mission is doable."

Petraeus added that the US and the Iraqis needed to continue to work together in controlling the violence.

He said, "The rucksack is too heavy for any one person to bear and we will have to share the burdens and move forward together. If we can do that and if we can help the people of Iraq, the prospects of success are good."

Petraeus added, "Failing that, Iraq will be doomed to continued violence and civil strife. Surely that is a prospect that all must strive to avoid."

The change in command comes as President George W. Bush overhauls his Iraqi policies and his team of top US officials in the Middle East, despite strong opposition by Democrats to plans to send 21,500 more troops to boost security in Iraq.