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10/03/2006
Minister begins Iraq visit
Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells has arrived in Iraq on a three-day visit to Basra.
His visit will focus on the oil sector, although he will also meet local Iraqi and British officials.
Dr Howells said: "Since my last visit, the Iraqi people have turned out in their millions to agree a new constitution and elect a new parliament. Next week, that parliament is expected to meet for the first time. It has big challenges before it, not least overseeing the appointment of, and then holding accountable, a government of national unity which reflects and protects the rich diversity of the Iraqi people. In doing so, it will have the continued support of the UK.”
Commenting on the reasons for his visit, Dr Howells said: "Looking forward, management of the oil sector will be a critical for Iraq. Their reserves, the fourth largest reserves in the world, have the potential to provide the Iraqi people with long-term growth and prosperity. I am here to see first hand what progress is being made.”
On the security situation he added: "In 2006 we will also take important decisions on the handover of security. Iraqi security forces are already increasingly in the lead. We are approaching the point where responsibility for security in whole provinces can be handed over. Decisions will be based on conditions on the ground. To understand those conditions there is no substitute for being here."
(GB)
His visit will focus on the oil sector, although he will also meet local Iraqi and British officials.
Dr Howells said: "Since my last visit, the Iraqi people have turned out in their millions to agree a new constitution and elect a new parliament. Next week, that parliament is expected to meet for the first time. It has big challenges before it, not least overseeing the appointment of, and then holding accountable, a government of national unity which reflects and protects the rich diversity of the Iraqi people. In doing so, it will have the continued support of the UK.”
Commenting on the reasons for his visit, Dr Howells said: "Looking forward, management of the oil sector will be a critical for Iraq. Their reserves, the fourth largest reserves in the world, have the potential to provide the Iraqi people with long-term growth and prosperity. I am here to see first hand what progress is being made.”
On the security situation he added: "In 2006 we will also take important decisions on the handover of security. Iraqi security forces are already increasingly in the lead. We are approaching the point where responsibility for security in whole provinces can be handed over. Decisions will be based on conditions on the ground. To understand those conditions there is no substitute for being here."
(GB)
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Iraqi resistance numbered at 5,000
A US Central Command official has estimated that the number of Iraqi resistance fighters could number between 4,000 and 5,000. The official said that the figure takes into consideration the various different "actions" going on in Iraq. "Iraq is more than a guerilla war," said the senior Centcom official.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
