Menu
10/03/2006
Minister begins Iraq visit
Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells has arrived in Iraq on a three-day visit to Basra.
His visit will focus on the oil sector, although he will also meet local Iraqi and British officials.
Dr Howells said: "Since my last visit, the Iraqi people have turned out in their millions to agree a new constitution and elect a new parliament. Next week, that parliament is expected to meet for the first time. It has big challenges before it, not least overseeing the appointment of, and then holding accountable, a government of national unity which reflects and protects the rich diversity of the Iraqi people. In doing so, it will have the continued support of the UK.”
Commenting on the reasons for his visit, Dr Howells said: "Looking forward, management of the oil sector will be a critical for Iraq. Their reserves, the fourth largest reserves in the world, have the potential to provide the Iraqi people with long-term growth and prosperity. I am here to see first hand what progress is being made.”
On the security situation he added: "In 2006 we will also take important decisions on the handover of security. Iraqi security forces are already increasingly in the lead. We are approaching the point where responsibility for security in whole provinces can be handed over. Decisions will be based on conditions on the ground. To understand those conditions there is no substitute for being here."
(GB)
His visit will focus on the oil sector, although he will also meet local Iraqi and British officials.
Dr Howells said: "Since my last visit, the Iraqi people have turned out in their millions to agree a new constitution and elect a new parliament. Next week, that parliament is expected to meet for the first time. It has big challenges before it, not least overseeing the appointment of, and then holding accountable, a government of national unity which reflects and protects the rich diversity of the Iraqi people. In doing so, it will have the continued support of the UK.”
Commenting on the reasons for his visit, Dr Howells said: "Looking forward, management of the oil sector will be a critical for Iraq. Their reserves, the fourth largest reserves in the world, have the potential to provide the Iraqi people with long-term growth and prosperity. I am here to see first hand what progress is being made.”
On the security situation he added: "In 2006 we will also take important decisions on the handover of security. Iraqi security forces are already increasingly in the lead. We are approaching the point where responsibility for security in whole provinces can be handed over. Decisions will be based on conditions on the ground. To understand those conditions there is no substitute for being here."
(GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 November 2005
First evidence heard in Saddam trial
The trial of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein has heard the first prosecution evidence as his trial, on charges of crimes against humanity, resumed today.
First evidence heard in Saddam trial
The trial of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein has heard the first prosecution evidence as his trial, on charges of crimes against humanity, resumed today.
25 January 2005
Senior Iraqi judge shot dead in Baghdad
A senior Iraqi judge has been assassinated in eastern Baghdad today as dissident groups step up a terror campaign prior to Sunday's elections in Iraq. Judge Qais Hashim Shameri and his son were killed in a gun attack as they left their home this morning. Initial police reports indicate that their driver was also wounded in the ambush.
Senior Iraqi judge shot dead in Baghdad
A senior Iraqi judge has been assassinated in eastern Baghdad today as dissident groups step up a terror campaign prior to Sunday's elections in Iraq. Judge Qais Hashim Shameri and his son were killed in a gun attack as they left their home this morning. Initial police reports indicate that their driver was also wounded in the ambush.
11 May 2004
Girl (8) among Iraqi civilians killed by UK troops: report
An eight-year-old girl is among a number of Iraqi civilians who have been killed in disputed circumstances by British forces in southern Iraq, an Amnesty International report has alleged.
Girl (8) among Iraqi civilians killed by UK troops: report
An eight-year-old girl is among a number of Iraqi civilians who have been killed in disputed circumstances by British forces in southern Iraq, an Amnesty International report has alleged.
12 December 2003
Coalition strategy led to hundreds of Iraqi civilian deaths: report
Hundreds of civilian deaths could have been avoided during the US-led invasion of Iraq had the military not used cluster bombs and indulged in opportunistic decapitation strikes against regime leaders, according to the UN's Human Rights Watch.
Coalition strategy led to hundreds of Iraqi civilian deaths: report
Hundreds of civilian deaths could have been avoided during the US-led invasion of Iraq had the military not used cluster bombs and indulged in opportunistic decapitation strikes against regime leaders, according to the UN's Human Rights Watch.
28 July 2003
Iraqi resistance numbered at 5,000
A US Central Command official has estimated that the number of Iraqi resistance fighters could number between 4,000 and 5,000. The official said that the figure takes into consideration the various different "actions" going on in Iraq. "Iraq is more than a guerilla war," said the senior Centcom official.
Iraqi resistance numbered at 5,000
A US Central Command official has estimated that the number of Iraqi resistance fighters could number between 4,000 and 5,000. The official said that the figure takes into consideration the various different "actions" going on in Iraq. "Iraq is more than a guerilla war," said the senior Centcom official.
-
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.
