US Refuses To Clear Belgian C-130 Bringing Equipment, Medicine

Belgium was one of the most vocal opponents to war in the weeks leading up to the conflict in Iraq. In fact, one American newspaper sneeringly referred to Belgium, which was following the lead of France, Germany and Russia, the "Mini-Me" of Europe. The war's mostly over now, but if you thought the diplomatic tensions between the United States and the European Union have eased, think again. Now that the focus in that war-ravaged country is on getting humanitarian relief to Iraqis in need, those nations originally opposed to the idea of a "regime change" in Baghdad are finding themselves left without a flight plan.

No Flight Until At Least Tuesday

The Belgian C-130 was full of hospital equipment, vaccines and infant care supplies. It was supposed to have left an airbase near Brussels on Friday. The Belgian Prime Minister, Guy Verhofstadt, was going to be on hand for a big send-off.

No big send-off. No big airlift of supplies to Iraq. No dice. Instead, the C-130 was grounded by America controllers covering Iraqi airspace. The flight is now on hold until at least Tuesday. Asked what the problem was, an unnamed EU commissioner told the Financial Times of London , the US insisted on "major changes to the flight plan". Why? A commission spokesman told the Times, "I think that's a question you will have to ask the American authorities."

"The Belgian authorities have filed a flight plan with the US military and we are continuing to work with the Belgians on logistical arrangements," a spokesman for the US military told the Financial Times in Brussels.

Another EU Commissioner put it this way: "I wonder how long this would have taken if the aid was being carried on a Royal Air Force plane?"

FMI: www.defenselink.mil