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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Allies 'differ' over Iraq plans | Allies 'differ' over Iraq plans |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| The US ambassador to Iraq has spoken of differences between the US and Britain over future strategy for Iraq. | The US ambassador to Iraq has spoken of differences between the US and Britain over future strategy for Iraq. |
| The government is planning a partial withdrawal of British forces from Basra this year. | The government is planning a partial withdrawal of British forces from Basra this year. |
| But US ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad told the BBC the US would prefer UK forces to remain at their current levels in southern Iraq. | But US ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad told the BBC the US would prefer UK forces to remain at their current levels in southern Iraq. |
| However, Tony Blair's spokesman has denied any differences with the US over British troop levels in Iraq. | |
| 'Great allies' | |
| The BBC's Andrew North said it appears to be the two allies' "first sign of disagreement" over Iraq since 2003. | The BBC's Andrew North said it appears to be the two allies' "first sign of disagreement" over Iraq since 2003. |
| The BBC's Baghdad correspondent said for the first time since the invasion four years ago, Britain and the US appear to be taking a "different approach" over Iraq, with the Americans increasing their force levels while Britain planned a partial withdrawal. | The BBC's Baghdad correspondent said for the first time since the invasion four years ago, Britain and the US appear to be taking a "different approach" over Iraq, with the Americans increasing their force levels while Britain planned a partial withdrawal. |
| Mr Khalilzad told our correspondent: "We would like the British to co-ordinate and for us to have a joint plan. We're talking about this. It's clear what our preference would be - the longer we stay together here, the better." | Mr Khalilzad told our correspondent: "We would like the British to co-ordinate and for us to have a joint plan. We're talking about this. It's clear what our preference would be - the longer we stay together here, the better." |
| He said talks between Washington and London over the issue were continuing and he had "no doubt" that a "mutually acceptable" agreement could be reached. | He said talks between Washington and London over the issue were continuing and he had "no doubt" that a "mutually acceptable" agreement could be reached. |
| Mr Khalilzad added: "The Brits are our great allies, the prime minister is a great leader and we have worked together very well here. We worked together at all levels very well here, so I have no complaints." | Mr Khalilzad added: "The Brits are our great allies, the prime minister is a great leader and we have worked together very well here. We worked together at all levels very well here, so I have no complaints." |
| 'No decision' | |
| Mr Blair's official spokesman said it was "hardly surprising" that discussions were still going on while British troops continued their operations in Basra. | |
| "The prime minister has said that no final decision has been made about our security profile in Basra," he said. | |
| "That will be decided after our assessment of Operation Sinbad. Therefore we will continue to be in discussions with our commanders on the ground and our coalition partners about what are the right levels of our security profile in Basra. | |
| "The prime minister, once he has made his decision, will then make a statement in the House." | |
| 'Disastrous signal' | |
| Earlier, Mr Blair dismissed a call by Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell for UK troops to leave Iraq by October. | |
| During prime minister's questions, Mr Blair said setting an "arbitrary timetable" would send a "disastrous signal" to Iraq. | During prime minister's questions, Mr Blair said setting an "arbitrary timetable" would send a "disastrous signal" to Iraq. |
| "It is a policy which, whatever its superficial attractions may be, is actually deeply irresponsible," he added. | "It is a policy which, whatever its superficial attractions may be, is actually deeply irresponsible," he added. |
| MPs are currently debating Iraq in the Commons, with critics of British policy in Iraq expected to force a technical vote to show their unhappiness. | MPs are currently debating Iraq in the Commons, with critics of British policy in Iraq expected to force a technical vote to show their unhappiness. |
| Sir Menzies is the only one of the three main UK party leaders to suggest a withdrawal date. | Sir Menzies is the only one of the three main UK party leaders to suggest a withdrawal date. |