Menu
26/05/2004
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".
"The issue of our troops remaining after then is an issue of necessity because they have to remain until the Iraqi capability is sufficiently developed," he said.
He added that no decision has been taken on sending more troops to Iraq.
Mr Blair said: "We must remain with this task in Iraq until the job is done because it is now of central importance to Iraq, to the wider region, to the stability of the world."
Turning to the situation in Afghanistan, Mr Blair said that the country was "going forwards" but there remains much to do.
There are now 5.5 million Afghani children in school, including over 2 million girls in school who were previously banned, he said. Two and a half million refugees have returned to Afghanistan.
"I've held several meetings on Afghanistan myself over the last few months in order to make sure that though the media focus, for perfectly understandable reasons, is on Iraq, we continue with the work in Afghanistan."
Shadow Foreign Secretary Michael Ancram has today called on the overnment to spelling out full details of the planned handover to Iraqi sovereignty at the end of June.
Despite Mr Blair's pledge that British troops will remain under UK commanders when final political control of coalition forces is transferred to the new Iraqi administration in Baghdad, Mr Ancram warned that other questions remained unanswered.
Mr Ancram said: "A lot of this is being made up as they go along and does not inspire confidence. The role of the Iraqi interim government and the role of the multi-national force, as well as the command role, is still not very clear. There are still many unanswered questions."
(gmcg)
Speaking at his monthly press conference, Mr Blair said the change of sovereignty at the end of June would be a "genuine change".
"The issue of our troops remaining after then is an issue of necessity because they have to remain until the Iraqi capability is sufficiently developed," he said.
He added that no decision has been taken on sending more troops to Iraq.
Mr Blair said: "We must remain with this task in Iraq until the job is done because it is now of central importance to Iraq, to the wider region, to the stability of the world."
Turning to the situation in Afghanistan, Mr Blair said that the country was "going forwards" but there remains much to do.
There are now 5.5 million Afghani children in school, including over 2 million girls in school who were previously banned, he said. Two and a half million refugees have returned to Afghanistan.
"I've held several meetings on Afghanistan myself over the last few months in order to make sure that though the media focus, for perfectly understandable reasons, is on Iraq, we continue with the work in Afghanistan."
Shadow Foreign Secretary Michael Ancram has today called on the overnment to spelling out full details of the planned handover to Iraqi sovereignty at the end of June.
Despite Mr Blair's pledge that British troops will remain under UK commanders when final political control of coalition forces is transferred to the new Iraqi administration in Baghdad, Mr Ancram warned that other questions remained unanswered.
Mr Ancram said: "A lot of this is being made up as they go along and does not inspire confidence. The role of the Iraqi interim government and the role of the multi-national force, as well as the command role, is still not very clear. There are still many unanswered questions."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 December 2006
Annan says Iraq situation worse
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has told the BBC that he believes Iraq is in the grip of a civil war and said that Iraqis are worse off now than under the regime of Saddam Hussein. In an interview for BBC World Service radio and BBC World television to be broadcast today (Monday) he spoke about the delicate situation in Iraq.
Annan says Iraq situation worse
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has told the BBC that he believes Iraq is in the grip of a civil war and said that Iraqis are worse off now than under the regime of Saddam Hussein. In an interview for BBC World Service radio and BBC World television to be broadcast today (Monday) he spoke about the delicate situation in Iraq.
17 January 2005
Iraq elections must be fully inclusive, says UN envoy
On a day that saw at least 15 Iraqis die in insurgent attacks, the United Nations envoy to the country has said that the impending Iraqi elections, scheduled to take place at the end of this month, must be as inclusive as possible.
Iraq elections must be fully inclusive, says UN envoy
On a day that saw at least 15 Iraqis die in insurgent attacks, the United Nations envoy to the country has said that the impending Iraqi elections, scheduled to take place at the end of this month, must be as inclusive as possible.
19 June 2008
Detainees Escape Oxfordshire Detention Centre
Four immigration detainees have escaped an Oxfordshire centre overnight. Police hunting the fugitives have closed a road leading to Campsfield House in Kidlington and are searching the area. A Home Office spokesman said that seven detainees had managed to escape but three had been recaptured.
Detainees Escape Oxfordshire Detention Centre
Four immigration detainees have escaped an Oxfordshire centre overnight. Police hunting the fugitives have closed a road leading to Campsfield House in Kidlington and are searching the area. A Home Office spokesman said that seven detainees had managed to escape but three had been recaptured.
28 June 2004
Blair welcomes transfer of power to Iraqis
Prime Minister Tony Blair has welcomed the transfer of sovereignty back into the hands of local authorities and said that it was "the will of the whole international community for Iraq to take control of its own destiny".
Blair welcomes transfer of power to Iraqis
Prime Minister Tony Blair has welcomed the transfer of sovereignty back into the hands of local authorities and said that it was "the will of the whole international community for Iraq to take control of its own destiny".
21 December 2010
Iraqis Lose High Court Abuse Bids
Iraqi civilians, who claimed they were abused by British forces in Iraq, have lost their High Court bid for a public inquiry. Two judges stood by Defence Secretary Liam Fox's refusal to order a wide-ranging investigation. Mr Fox argued it was not systemic and any abuse carried out involved "a few bad apples".
Iraqis Lose High Court Abuse Bids
Iraqi civilians, who claimed they were abused by British forces in Iraq, have lost their High Court bid for a public inquiry. Two judges stood by Defence Secretary Liam Fox's refusal to order a wide-ranging investigation. Mr Fox argued it was not systemic and any abuse carried out involved "a few bad apples".
-
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.
