MIDDLE EAST -  Congressman Jim Saxton (NJ-3rd) departed the Middle East today, wrapping up a six-nation tour in the Middle East that included two days in Iraq, and heading toward the United Kingdom with his bipartisan group of Members of the United States House of Representatives.

Saxton said the Congressional Delegation expressed its regret of the bombing of the Turkish Embassy earlier today.

“Our bipartisan delegation extends our sympathies to the families of the U.S. service members and Iraqi civilians killed,” Saxton said. “The terrorists continue to take life without regard for the citizens of Iraq. With all the progress we’ve seen, the people in Iraq have the promise of better days ahead, and the terrorists are doing everything they can to stop them.”

Saxton said the damage and loss of life in the recent bombings at the Turkish Embassy and the Baghdad Hotel have been limited by the U.S. trained-security forces.

“There are many Iraqis who are trying very hard to make the country a safer place to live,” Saxton said. “Many of the citizens who came up to us expressed great appreciation to the United States for ending the reign of Saddam Hussein, and helping get electricity, water service and other social services up and running.”

Saxton also visited Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Turkey.

In England, Saxton said he expects to meet with members of Parliament to discuss strategies for rebuilding Iraq. He met with British officials stationed in Iraq while in Baghdad.

“The British have been our stalwart allies through many trials over the years, including Operation Iraqi Freedom,” Saxton said. “I am looking forward to visiting the U.K. and the House of Commons and expressing my appreciation for their friendship and support.”

Saxton is the highest-ranking Member of a bipartisan congressional delegation attempting to assess the current conditions in Iraq, and help promote stability and continuing progress in Iraq. He met with Ambassador Paul Bremer, and will return to the United States later this week.

Four other Members of Congress are in the delegation. In Iraq, Saxton met with 101st Airborne Division soldiers native to New Jersey; airmen from McGuire AFB , N.J.; school children and their parents and teachers, and; workers at reopened plants.

In Turkey last week Saxton met with Turkish Foreign Ministry officials. They discussed U.S.-Turkish cooperation regarding the reconstruction of Iraq, including the Turkish Parliament’s recent decision to send up to 10,000 troops to Iraq to help stabilize the country.

Saxton is the chairman of the newly created House Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, an extension of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC). Saxton is the fourth-highest ranking member of HASC.