Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Media: AFP
Byline:
Date: 25 October 2006
LONDON, Oct 25, 2006 (AFP) - Britain will not change its strategy in Iraq,
Prime Minister Tony Blair said Wednesday, despite mounting calls in the
face of spiralling sectarian violence and casualties within the US-led
coalition.
"Let me make one thing absolutely and abundantly clear -- there will be no
change in the strategy of withdrawal from Iraq. (It will only happen) when
the Iraqi forces are confident that they can handle security," he told
parliament.
"To do anything else would be a complete betrayal, not just of the Iraqi
people but of all the sacrifices that have been made by our armed forces
over the years."
Blair's assertion came during his weekly question and answer session with
lawmakers in the House of Commons, during which he was asked to lead a
parliamentary debate on the situation in Iraq.
The prime minister said he was "happy to debate Iraq at any point in time"
but did not directly answer the call by the main opposition Conservatives
to examine current policy and the continuing role of British troops there.
Certain Conservative lawmakers have described the fact that parliament has
not "properly discussed" Iraq for two years as "disgraceful", particularly
in the light of the recent upsurge in sectarian violence.
Two opinion polls in British newspapers this week suggested that most
people want a swift withdrawal of the country's 7,000-strong contingent in
Iraq, backing suggestions to the same effect by some British military top
brass.
October is on course to be the bloodiest month for the US military since
the assault on the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah in 2004, prompting
Washington to reassess its timelines for handing over power to Iraqi
security forces.
Byline:
Date: 25 October 2006
LONDON, Oct 25, 2006 (AFP) - Britain will not change its strategy in Iraq,
Prime Minister Tony Blair said Wednesday, despite mounting calls in the
face of spiralling sectarian violence and casualties within the US-led
coalition.
"Let me make one thing absolutely and abundantly clear -- there will be no
change in the strategy of withdrawal from Iraq. (It will only happen) when
the Iraqi forces are confident that they can handle security," he told
parliament.
"To do anything else would be a complete betrayal, not just of the Iraqi
people but of all the sacrifices that have been made by our armed forces
over the years."
Blair's assertion came during his weekly question and answer session with
lawmakers in the House of Commons, during which he was asked to lead a
parliamentary debate on the situation in Iraq.
The prime minister said he was "happy to debate Iraq at any point in time"
but did not directly answer the call by the main opposition Conservatives
to examine current policy and the continuing role of British troops there.
Certain Conservative lawmakers have described the fact that parliament has
not "properly discussed" Iraq for two years as "disgraceful", particularly
in the light of the recent upsurge in sectarian violence.
Two opinion polls in British newspapers this week suggested that most
people want a swift withdrawal of the country's 7,000-strong contingent in
Iraq, backing suggestions to the same effect by some British military top
brass.
October is on course to be the bloodiest month for the US military since
the assault on the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah in 2004, prompting
Washington to reassess its timelines for handing over power to Iraqi
security forces.