Menu
02/05/2003
US Defence Secretary visits UK
The US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is to have talks on Friday with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and UK counterpart Geoff Hoon.
The talks are scheduled to take place at Chequers, the Prime Minister's country residence.
Mr Rumsfeld, who visited Iraq and Afghanistan earlier this week, will be discussing the reconstruction of both countries following the formal cessation of major military activities in Iraq.
A Downing Street spokesperson said that the Prime Minister would use his meeting with Donald Rumsfeld at Chequers today to "stress the importance of the US's role in rebuilding international relations after the conflict".
He also said that the Prime Minister would want to use the opportunity today to hear from Secretary Rumsfeld about issues on the ground following his recent visits to Afghanistan and Iraq and post-conflict military issues.
During his visit to Baghdad Mr Rumsfeld said that troops would only remain in Iraq until a free and democratic government was established in the country.
Yesterday US President George W. Bush, aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, addressed the American people from the deck of the carrier, which was off the coast of California.
In his emotive address Mr Bush, pictured against a backdrop of the carrier’s flight control tower emblazoned with a stylised stars-and-stripes banner reading 'Mission Accomplished', announced that the fighting in Iraq was formally at an end.
The President, who praised the courage of the coalition forces, in a battle fought for “the cause of liberty, and for the peace of the world” confirmed that “major combat operations in Iraq had ended”.
Mr Bush said that the coalition was now engaged in securing and reconstructing Iraq.
(SP)
The talks are scheduled to take place at Chequers, the Prime Minister's country residence.
Mr Rumsfeld, who visited Iraq and Afghanistan earlier this week, will be discussing the reconstruction of both countries following the formal cessation of major military activities in Iraq.
A Downing Street spokesperson said that the Prime Minister would use his meeting with Donald Rumsfeld at Chequers today to "stress the importance of the US's role in rebuilding international relations after the conflict".
He also said that the Prime Minister would want to use the opportunity today to hear from Secretary Rumsfeld about issues on the ground following his recent visits to Afghanistan and Iraq and post-conflict military issues.
During his visit to Baghdad Mr Rumsfeld said that troops would only remain in Iraq until a free and democratic government was established in the country.
Yesterday US President George W. Bush, aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, addressed the American people from the deck of the carrier, which was off the coast of California.
In his emotive address Mr Bush, pictured against a backdrop of the carrier’s flight control tower emblazoned with a stylised stars-and-stripes banner reading 'Mission Accomplished', announced that the fighting in Iraq was formally at an end.
The President, who praised the courage of the coalition forces, in a battle fought for “the cause of liberty, and for the peace of the world” confirmed that “major combat operations in Iraq had ended”.
Mr Bush said that the coalition was now engaged in securing and reconstructing Iraq.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 November 2003
Rumsfeld issues dire warning over Iraqi missile threat
Following yesterday's devastating missile attack on a US helicopter in Iraq, the US Defense Secretary has warned that similar disasters could follow. In an interview with an American network, Donald Rumsfeld said that there could be thousands of shoulder-held surface-to-air missiles hidden across Iraq.
Rumsfeld issues dire warning over Iraqi missile threat
Following yesterday's devastating missile attack on a US helicopter in Iraq, the US Defense Secretary has warned that similar disasters could follow. In an interview with an American network, Donald Rumsfeld said that there could be thousands of shoulder-held surface-to-air missiles hidden across Iraq.
03 October 2003
Iraqi people to foot bill for reconstruction, says Rumsfeld
The Iraqi people will have to foot "the bulk" of the bill for the re-construction of the country's infrastructure, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has said.
Iraqi people to foot bill for reconstruction, says Rumsfeld
The Iraqi people will have to foot "the bulk" of the bill for the re-construction of the country's infrastructure, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has said.
29 May 2003
Rumsfeld concedes Iraq may have destroyed weapons
The Prime Minister's visit to Iraq has been overshadowed today by the US Defense Secretary's suggestion yesterday that Saddam Hussein may have destroyed any weapons of mass destruction (WMD) he possessed prior to war breaking out – thereby robbing the Coalition of its justification for war.
Rumsfeld concedes Iraq may have destroyed weapons
The Prime Minister's visit to Iraq has been overshadowed today by the US Defense Secretary's suggestion yesterday that Saddam Hussein may have destroyed any weapons of mass destruction (WMD) he possessed prior to war breaking out – thereby robbing the Coalition of its justification for war.
21 January 2011
Blair Testifies At Iraq Inquiry
Tony Blair has been called for a second time to give evidence in the Iraq Inquiry. Earlier this year, the former Prime Minister defended his decision to go to war, saying that Saddam Hussein was a "monster" before stating that he had no regrets. However, the inquiry have requested "more detail" in some areas.
Blair Testifies At Iraq Inquiry
Tony Blair has been called for a second time to give evidence in the Iraq Inquiry. Earlier this year, the former Prime Minister defended his decision to go to war, saying that Saddam Hussein was a "monster" before stating that he had no regrets. However, the inquiry have requested "more detail" in some areas.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
