|
|
|
Gordon Brown flies to Iraq and hints at pullout James Kirkup and Robert Winnett Gordon Brown last night flew into Iraq to thank British troops and signal an end to their combat role in the country. He told forces in Basra that the city will be handed over to Iraqi government control in the next two weeks and hinted at an end to Britain's involvement in the country. "We have managed now to get Iraq into a far better place," he said. The Prime Minister, who has been under pressure over Labour's treatment of the Armed Forces, took pains to praise the Service personnel in Iraq. "I know many of you will not be home at Christmas. I do appreciate and the whole country does appreciate the spirit of service you have shown," he said.
(Article continues below) The transfer of Basra will pave the way for a reduction in British troop numbers in Iraq from 4,500 to 2,500 as early as March. Mr Brown's visit comes amid growing criticism over his absence at a series of key European events. This weekend he boycotted an EU-Africa summit attended by Zimbabwe's President Mugabe. The Prime Minister is also not expected to attend the formal signing of the new European Reform Treaty in Lisbon later this week. He has a prior engagement appearing before a Parliamentary committee shortly before the signing, although critics have alleged he is deliberately staying away.
|
|
|
| PRISON
PLANET.com Copyright © 2002-2007 Alex Jones
All rights reserved.
|
Yahoo! MyWeb
