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Brown makes surprise trip to Iraq
BASRA, Iraq — Britain’s Treasury chief Gordon Brown made an unannounced visit to Iraq on Saturday to meet with British forces and Iraqi officials. Brown, who is expected to replace Prime Minister Tony Blair when he steps down next year, was accompanied during his first visit to Iraq by Britain’s chief of the armed forces Sir Jock Stirrup. “I am here to see and pay tribute to the important work our forces are doing and to meet with Iraqi ministers to discuss the challenges ahead,” Brown said in a statement upon arrival.

“We are committed to supporting the Iraqis in building a democratic nation which brings security and prosperity to its people and plays a full part in the region and the world economy.”

Brown was scheduled during his daylong trip to Iraq to meet with British soldiers; Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh, who was visiting Basra; and other Iraqi officials in the region.
Posted by: Steve White 2006-11-19
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=172480