Iraqis To Take Greater Security Role - British PM

Iraqis will take greater security role - PM

UK forces will continue to help Iraqi forces "build their capabilities", the Prime Minister has said.

In a statement released this morning, Mr Brown said that the UK has trained over 13,000 Iraqi soldiers in the South of the country, which meant that that Iraqi forces were able to increasingly take on responsibility for security in the region, and that the UK could hand over control of Basra Palace to the Iraqi Government.

Like America Britain will discharge our duties to the Iraqi people, to our allies and to the international community, and as President Bush did last night I repeat that we will meet our responsibilities and honour our obligations. Like President Bush I pay tribute to our armed forces, who are playing their part with courage and professionalism."

In Southern Iraq, the UK has trained over 13,000 Iraqi soldiers, who are now increasingly taking on responsibility for security in the region. It was because of this that, as General Petraeus explained, we were able to hand over control of Basra Palace to the Iraqi Government and we will continue to help the Iraqis to build their capabilities. Decisions on the future size and strength of our forces in Iraq will continue to depend on conditions on the ground.

The statement follows the "extensive analysis" presented to an American Congressional panel earlier this week by General Petraeus and US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker, and President Bush's announcement of a limited withdrawal of US troops due to take place later this year.

The PM said that the UK would "meet our responsibilities" and "honour our obligations" in Iraq. He paid tribute to the armed forces serving in the region, "who are playing their part with courage and professionalism".

He added:

"I agree with President Bush that the success of a free Iraq matters to every civilised nation and that it is essential that Iraq achieves a more stable and confident political process.

"Reconciliation with disaffected groups, a more inclusive government, and a genuine attempt to reach consensus on major political issues are key elements of this."

Mr Brown intends to make a more detailed statement when Parliament returns next month.

ENDS

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