Latest News

Defence Secretary John Reid and Iraqi PM Ibrahim Ja'afari, before the Press Conference at London's Lancaster House on 21 September 2005 [Picture: Ian Nelson]

Secretary of State for Defence John Reid and Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari met in London today, 21 September 2005, to discuss the situation in Iraq following the arrest and rescue of two British soldiers in Basra.

At a joint press conference following their Lancaster House meeting, the Defence Secretary restated the UK's commitment to the future stability and security of Iraq.

"It is absolutely clear what is in stake in Iraq," he said. "We are on the side of Iraq's leaders who are trying to promote democracy and freedom.  In doing this, they will be opposed by those who want to stop the process of democracy and freedom – by terrorists – some of whom want to promote civil war.  That is why building an inclusive Iraq, for the benefit of all Iraqi people, is so important, alongside our counter-terrorist efforts."

Speaking about recent events in Basra, Prime Minister Jaafari said:

"It will not affect the relationship between Iraq and Britain, and we hope that together we will reach the truth of the matter on the ground - especially as we live in a democratic country, a transparent country."

John Reid agreed that the actions in Basra made no difference to the UK's commitment to the people of Iraq:

"Our plan remains exactly the same, and that is to stay in Iraq until such time as the democratically elected government has developed sufficient forces to counter terrorism and to preserve the security of democracy in Iraq."

And he praised the Iraqi National Assembly on agreeing a draft constitution in spite of the efforts of terrorists to undermine the country’s progress towards a peaceful future.

"You have achieved in months what it has taken many countries years or centuries to achieve."

Prime Minister Ja'afari said the Iraqi Security Forces – which at 180,000 strong are for the first time numerically greater than the multinational forces - have already made "long strides" towards taking control of security in their own country, and he said that terrorism was the common enemy of the Iraqi and British people.

In case there could be any doubt in anyone's mind over the UK's resolution, the Secretary of State repeated his pledge:

"We will not cut and run, and we will not leave the job half done.  We will stand by Iraq when times are tough and be a committed and not a fair-weather friend."

The full text of the John Reid's opening statement at the press conference is below:

"Prime Minster, this British Government is with the Iraqi people in your drive to agree a constitution next month, elect a government in December, and restore full democracy in Iraq for the benefit of all Iraqis.  These are views we share with the whole international community, as expressed in UN resolution 1546.

"I congratulate the National Assembly on agreeing a draft constitution in spite of the efforts of terrorists to undermine the country's progress towards a peaceful future.  You have achieved in months what it has taken many countries years or centuries to achieve.

"It is absolutely clear what is at stake in Iraq: we are on the side of Iraq's leaders who are trying to promote democracy and freedom.  In doing this, they will be opposed by those who want to stop the process of democracy and freedom – by terrorists – some of whom want to promote civil war.  That is why building an inclusive Iraq, for the benefit of all Iraqi people is so important, alongside our counter terrorist efforts.

"There will be other obstacles along the way – for Iraq will not be changed overnight.  We saw this on Monday with a minority using violence, trying to achieve their will.  And we know that building security forces on a non partisan basis will be a gradual process.  But it will proceed.

"Obviously, the Prime Minister and I discussed this today as part of a full and fruitful discussion on a range of issues. Very real progress has been made in building up the numbers, skills and ethos of the Iraqi security forces. In some areas this has been quicker than others, and we do not deny that there remains a lot to be done.  But don't forget that only recently 80 percent of anti insurgent and counter-terrorist operations were carried out by multinational forces alone  -  now 80% of these same operations are either including or led by Iraqis.  Their improving capability, numbers and commitment was most recently demonstrated by the successful operations in Tal Afar.

"So, progress has been made – but progress is not inevitable, nor irreversible.  It needs encouragement and nurturing. It is not a process that will happen without reverses or problems.  Democracy does not come easily.  Freedom has to be won often in defiance of those whose only objective is dictatorship and whose only means is terror.

"So, our strategy remains as I have said many times.  It is working towards an orderly transition of enabling the Iraqi forces to lead on security.  That is a process not an event – and it is a process on track.  We do not want to be in Iraq any longer than is necessary but the pace of transition will depend on how long the Iraqi government judge that our forces are needed.  We will not cut and run, and we will not leave the job half done.  We will stand by Iraq when times are tough and be a committed and not a fair-weather friend."

Related articles:

• Basra calm after incidents on 19 September 2005
• RAF firefighters train Iraqi crash and fire crews at Basrah
• RAF Regiment open new school in Basrah
• British Forces handover basic training in southern Iraq

The Ministry of Defence is not responsible for the content or availability of external internet sites.