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| Iraq |
| Middle East more secure, Blair tells troops |
| 2003-05-29 |
| EFL. The Middle East is already benefiting from the regime change in Iraq as the region escapes its history of instability and terrorism, Tony Blair told 400 British troops on the outskirts of Basra today. As always, Tony lifts his vision and his voice above that of the snarling cocker spaniels like Robin Cook. Paying tribute to the British army, the prime minister conceded: "There are a lot of disagreements in the country about the wisdom of my decision to order the action." However, he went on to argue that the war had led not only to an opportunity for a better Iraq but also for a more peaceful region, including for Israel and the Palestinians. Speaking outside one of Saddam's former presidential palaces, which now serves as the headquarters of 1 Division, Mr Blair said: "Iraq is one of the wealthiest countries potentially in the world yet its people live in appalling poverty. In the years to come, as a result of what you have done, we can rebuild that country and we will help in that." And he went on to add: "Something else is happening right throughout this region. This area of the world has been a source of more instability, more terrorism, more difficulty in managing world affairs than any other region in the world." Now, he argued, it was possible to see the changes that were happening as a result of the removal of Saddam Hussein. "You can see in relation to countries like Syria and Iran where there are big issues we need to discuss with them and resolve with them, that we can do that in a completely different atmosphere than was possible a few months ago." Tony, like GWB, understands that diplomacy works better when you're holding a large stick. They could now also see, for Israel and Palestine, the first chance now for several years of the beginning of hopes for a different way forward for the future. "When people look back at this time and this conflict, I honestly believe they will see this as one of the defining moments of our century," Mr Blair concluded. He is the first western leader to visit the county since hostilities ceased six weeks ago. The trip has been billed as a chance to give the prime minister's and the nation's thanks to the British forces - about 20,000 of whom are still deployed in Iraq. Before speaking Mr Blair was met in Basra by the Commander of 1 Division, General Peter Wall. He will also hold talks with the UK's special representative, John Sawers, and the head of America's office of reconstruction and humanitarian assistance, Paul Bremer. Mr Blair flew by helicopter to the southern Iraqi port of Umm Qasr today. He arrived by Chinook helicopter after a 15-minute flight from Basra to see the UK servicemen and women who captured and held Iraq's only sea port. |
| Posted by:Steve White |