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02/12/2005
Reid visits British soldiers in Basra
Defence Secretary John Reid is visiting British forces in southeast Iraq ahead of the country’s elections in two weeks time.
Mr Reid landed in Basra this morning and visited the headquarters of the 10th division of the Iraqi Army, as well as soldiers from the 1 Highlanders Battle Group, based in Basra City and troops at the Shaibah Logistics Base.
Iraq’s first ever elections for a constitutional assembly will take place on December 15. Mr Reid said that the elections represented a “further milestone” for the political process in Iraq. He said: “More than ten million people voted in January and a constitution has been drafted and passed by the Iraqis, for the Iraqis. The next Iraqi parliament will have a vital role to play in shaping the country’s future.”
Earlier today, Mr Reid suggested that Iraqi forces could take control of some areas of Iraq, currently under the control of British forces, next year. The Defence Secretary told BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’ programme that a process of handover could begin in the course of the next year. However, he stressed that British troops would stay in Iraq for “as long as necessary”. He said: “We’ll not go until the Iraq armed forces are capable of defending their own democracy.”
This is Mr Reid’s second visit to Iraq since he was appointed Defence Secretary in May.
(KMcA/SP)
Mr Reid landed in Basra this morning and visited the headquarters of the 10th division of the Iraqi Army, as well as soldiers from the 1 Highlanders Battle Group, based in Basra City and troops at the Shaibah Logistics Base.
Iraq’s first ever elections for a constitutional assembly will take place on December 15. Mr Reid said that the elections represented a “further milestone” for the political process in Iraq. He said: “More than ten million people voted in January and a constitution has been drafted and passed by the Iraqis, for the Iraqis. The next Iraqi parliament will have a vital role to play in shaping the country’s future.”
Earlier today, Mr Reid suggested that Iraqi forces could take control of some areas of Iraq, currently under the control of British forces, next year. The Defence Secretary told BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’ programme that a process of handover could begin in the course of the next year. However, he stressed that British troops would stay in Iraq for “as long as necessary”. He said: “We’ll not go until the Iraq armed forces are capable of defending their own democracy.”
This is Mr Reid’s second visit to Iraq since he was appointed Defence Secretary in May.
(KMcA/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
