MoD dismisses Iraq policy 'split'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/6297135.stm

Version 0 of 1.

The Ministry of Defence has dismissed claims of "tension" in relations between the UK and US over Iraq policy.

It issued a response after the US ambassador to Iraq said Washington would prefer UK forces in the south to remain at their current levels.

The UK is planning a partial withdrawal of forces from Basra this year while the US is increasing numbers in Iraq.

The MoD said its plans were consistent with "long-term strategy" and the Iraqi desire for security responsibility.

"There is no tension between US and UK objectives and activities in Iraq," it said.

We would like the British to co-ordinate and for us to have a joint plan Zalmay KhalilzadUS ambassador to Iraq

"We are a major member of the coalition, with senior officers serving in it at every level...

"This is the strategy of transition, which we are working towards, as are the Americans.

"We always said this was a process and not an event and will happen at a different pace across Iraq."

Iraq debate

The prime minister's spokesman denied any differences with the US over British troop levels.

He said it was "hardly surprising" that discussions were still going on while British soldiers continued their operations in southern Iraq.

US ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad told the BBC: "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.

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."

But the shadow foreign secretary, William Hague, said the implications of the ambassadors comments were "very serious for our troops and for the success of operations in Iraq".

The suggestions of a disagreement came as rebel Labour MPs failed in a bid to stage a symbolic show of defiance over the government's Iraq policy.

After a six-hour debate on Iraq and the Middle East, they were expected to force a technical vote to show their opposition to Tony Blair's policy.

But they were out-manoeuvred by government whips who did not put up tellers to supervise the vote, depriving critics of a rebellion.

Earlier, Mr Blair rebuffed Liberal Democrat calls to withdraw troops by October.