Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. troops in Iraq, left, shakes hands with Governor Carcieri on Tuesday.

AP / Lori Jewel

PROVIDENCE — Governor Carcieri said yesterday that U.S. troops are making military progress toward a safer Iraq, but that political reconciliation among the war-torn country’s factions is a “huge challenge.”

Carcieri, on his first trip to Iraq, visited with Rhode Island National Guard troops, met with military and diplomatic officials and had dinner with Gen. David Petraeus. He was part of a delegation with two other governors, Bill Ritter of Colorado and Michael Rounds of South Dakota.

He said he was impressed with the mission and morale of the 169th Military Police unit of the RI National Guard that he met in Ramadi. “They are out there using their skills,” said Carcieri, whose remarks came in a conference call yesterday afternoon with Rhode Island reporters.

After meeting with troops, Carcieri said their mood is “cautiously optimistic.”

Violence appears to be down and U.S. troops are gaining the cooperation of Iraqis who want peace, Carcieri said. He said Iraqi citizens have become allies of the American forces and local “neighborhood watch groups.” The marines in Ramadi, Carcieri said, “are actually holding a 5k road race.”

“I think the surge has been very successful,” in tamping down violence, said Carcieri. Iraqis “are beginning to work with our people.”

Before leaving Iraq, the delegation of governors met with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Carcieri had dinner with the political officials in Ramadi.

“The troops have been doing a great job,” Carcieri said. “On the other hand, there are huge challenges here,” he said, referring to the political reconciliation among the various ethnic and political factions that make up Iraq. Political improvements, Carcieri acknowledged, have “been slow slogging.”

Carcieri’s trip was paid for by the federal government and came at no cost to Rhode Island taxpayers, said Jeff Neal, the governor’s spokesman.

smackay@projo.com