Share this story!            

No regrets about my part in Iraq invasion

BAGHDAD: Britain’s Tony Blair, on his last visit to Iraq as prime minister, said on Saturday he had no regrets about his part in the US-led invasion that removed Saddam Hussein.

On a farewell trip to a country whose future may define his legacy after a decade in power, Blair met Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and President Jalal Talabani and discussed the situation in Iraq.

“I have no regrets about removing Saddam, no,” Blair told a joint news conference with Maliki and Talabani after their talks about how to bring about greater political reconciliation.

“The future of Iraq should be determined by Iraqis in accordance with their wishes and it is important that all the neighbouring countries understand and respect that,” he said.

Four years after the Iraq invasion, US and British forces face daily attacks from insurgents, violence is undermining the state and officials within and outside Maliki’s coalition admit stabilising Iraq is almost impossible. But Blair believes there have been positive political developments and he wants to discuss a coherent plan with Maliki to see faster progress. “We need to take advantage of the possible momentum in Iraqi politics to create the space for long-term security,” Blair’s official spokesman told reporters.

“The key to that is reconciliation ensuring the needs of Iraqis of different communities are properly taken into account and a lasting political accommodation is reached between them.” reuters

Home | National

Share this story!