Menu
16/04/2003
UN will have important role in Iraq says Blair
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said the UN's role in post-conflict Iraq should not simply be a humanitarian one but one that also involves "political and reconstruction issues", during a joint press conference with the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
Speaking ahead of the EU summit in Athens today, Mr Blair said that he and Mr Annan were agreed on the "importance of the role of the United Nations in post-conflict Iraq".
He added: "I think if we approach the thing in the right spirit of goodwill we will make sure that this situation is handled well, and handled well not just on behalf of the Iraqi people, but also in respect of the United Nations too, and that is what we will work towards."
Mr Annan said he was "confident" that the UN will play an "important role" in the political and material reconstruction of Iraq.
"The Prime Minister and I are confident that we will be able to work with all the other leaders and the Council members to find a way forward," he said.
Since Mr Blair met with US President George Bush last week, he had met with the Germans, Kofi Annan and the Foreign Secretary has met with his French counterpart. So far, the British government appears to be in agreement with the anti-war EU nations, the UN and the Whitehouse – entities which have been less than harmonious in their relationships in recent months.
Whether Mr Blair's shuttle diplomacy has fostered a spirit of unity and multilateralism between the key nations will be tested later today when the EU delivers its statement on post-conflict Iraq.
(GMcG)
Speaking ahead of the EU summit in Athens today, Mr Blair said that he and Mr Annan were agreed on the "importance of the role of the United Nations in post-conflict Iraq".
He added: "I think if we approach the thing in the right spirit of goodwill we will make sure that this situation is handled well, and handled well not just on behalf of the Iraqi people, but also in respect of the United Nations too, and that is what we will work towards."
Mr Annan said he was "confident" that the UN will play an "important role" in the political and material reconstruction of Iraq.
"The Prime Minister and I are confident that we will be able to work with all the other leaders and the Council members to find a way forward," he said.
Since Mr Blair met with US President George Bush last week, he had met with the Germans, Kofi Annan and the Foreign Secretary has met with his French counterpart. So far, the British government appears to be in agreement with the anti-war EU nations, the UN and the Whitehouse – entities which have been less than harmonious in their relationships in recent months.
Whether Mr Blair's shuttle diplomacy has fostered a spirit of unity and multilateralism between the key nations will be tested later today when the EU delivers its statement on post-conflict Iraq.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 July 2004
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
09 April 2003
UN role uncertain after Anglo-US summit
The question over any future role of the UN in post-conflict Iraq was addressed but not answered today, following Tony Blair and President Bush's summit in Belfast over the past 24 hours.
UN role uncertain after Anglo-US summit
The question over any future role of the UN in post-conflict Iraq was addressed but not answered today, following Tony Blair and President Bush's summit in Belfast over the past 24 hours.
18 October 2006
Blair says 'no change' in Iraq strategy
Prime Minister Tony Blair has stressed that there will be no change in his strategy on British troops in Iraq in spite of increasing criticism. Speaking in the Commons, Mr Blair said that the withdrawal of UK troops from Iraq prematurely would be “disastrous”.
Blair says 'no change' in Iraq strategy
Prime Minister Tony Blair has stressed that there will be no change in his strategy on British troops in Iraq in spite of increasing criticism. Speaking in the Commons, Mr Blair said that the withdrawal of UK troops from Iraq prematurely would be “disastrous”.
14 November 2005
Iraq troops return ‘reasonable’ says Blair
The withdrawal of British troops from Iraq within the next year is “entirely reasonable”, the Prime Minister said. Speaking after a meeting with Iraqi vice-president Adil Abdul Mahdi in Downing Street, Tony Blair said: “It is entirely reasonable to talk about the withdrawal of troops from Iraq next year.
Iraq troops return ‘reasonable’ says Blair
The withdrawal of British troops from Iraq within the next year is “entirely reasonable”, the Prime Minister said. Speaking after a meeting with Iraqi vice-president Adil Abdul Mahdi in Downing Street, Tony Blair said: “It is entirely reasonable to talk about the withdrawal of troops from Iraq next year.
26 May 2004
Iraqis will have veto over Coalition troop presence, says Blair
The new Iraqi government will decide whether troops stay in Iraq after the transfer of sovereignty, the Prime Minister said yesterday. Speaking at his monthly press conference, Mr Blair said the change of sovereignty at the end of June would be a "genuine change".
Iraqis will have veto over Coalition troop presence, says Blair
The new Iraqi government will decide whether troops stay in Iraq after the transfer of sovereignty, the Prime Minister said yesterday. Speaking at his monthly press conference, Mr Blair said the change of sovereignty at the end of June would be a "genuine change".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
