US President George W. Bush and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said Wednesday they had agreed to leave behind their dispute over Iraq and work together for the future of the war-battered nation.

After meeting with Schroeder on the fringes of the UN General Assembly, Bush told reporters that their differences were over and they were "going to work together."

Schroeder, who sided with France in opposing the US invasion of Iraq, agreed that the rift had been put behind.

"We very much think that the differences that have been, have been left behind and put aside," he said, adding that Germany has very strong interest in a stable and democratic Iraq.

Schroeder said Germany would give assistance in rebuilding and securing Iraq.

"I have told the president how very much we would like to come in and help with the resources that we do have," he said.

The United States is currently seeking Security Council support for creating a multinational force for Iraq, and more international financial assistance for the nation's reconstruction.

Compared with France, Germany has recently toned down its opposition to a council resolution for this effect.

French President Jacques Chirac, who met Bush on Tuesday, told reporters he did not bridge the differences with Bush over Iraq.

France has called for a quick turnover of sovereignty to Iraqis and a leading UN role in helping them reestablish self-government, an idea already brushed off by Washington.
 
(Xinhua News Agency September 25, 2003)