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We'll hold nerve, PM to tell Iraq We'll hold Iraq nerve, says Blair
(about 5 hours later)
The Iraqi deputy prime minister will be told that Britain intends "to hold its nerve" in Iraq when he meets Tony Blair for talks on the country's security.The Iraqi deputy prime minister will be told that Britain intends "to hold its nerve" in Iraq when he meets Tony Blair for talks on the country's security.
Downing Street has denied the PM will press Barham Salih for assurances that Iraqi forces can take over policing southern Iraq within a year.Downing Street has denied the PM will press Barham Salih for assurances that Iraqi forces can take over policing southern Iraq within a year.
Defence Secretary Des Browne has said he thinks Iraqi forces could be capable of taking full control in 12 months.Defence Secretary Des Browne has said he thinks Iraqi forces could be capable of taking full control in 12 months.
However, Number 10 insisted UK forces would stay until the job was done. Mr Salih said Iraqis had to "assume leadership" of their own country.
'Quickly as possible'
Number 10 insisted UK forces would stay until the job was done.
A spokesman said: "Obviously, there is a process of transition and handover going on.A spokesman said: "Obviously, there is a process of transition and handover going on.
"Obviously we want this process to go as quickly as possible, but we will stay until the job is done.""Obviously we want this process to go as quickly as possible, but we will stay until the job is done."
Careful analysis He added: "The prime minister and Barham Salih will talk about the present situation in Iraq, but it is wrong to suggest that the prime minister is going to press him on an exit strategy."
He added: "The Prime Minister and Barham Salih will talk about the present situation in Iraq, but it is wrong to suggest that the prime minister is going to press him on an exit strategy."
Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague has said the government should give MPs a "frank" assessment of the changing situation.Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague has said the government should give MPs a "frank" assessment of the changing situation.
On Sunday he said: "Clearly things are not going as well as many of us hoped they would... we do need to learn from that." He also said the review going on in Washington should be mirrored by a "careful reassessment" in London.
He also said that the review going on in Washington should be mirrored by a "careful reassessment" in London.
Amara, in Iraq's south, has been blighted by recent violenceAmara, in Iraq's south, has been blighted by recent violence
Mr Salih told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Had it not been for the US and the UK, the Iraqis would still be ruled by Saddam Hussein.
"This is a country in transition. We have been brutalised by 35 years of brutality."
As Iraqi troops took control of different provinces, reliance on the Allies would "lessen", he added.
Mr Salih also said: "We will need partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom."
Mr Browne's comments echoed those from Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells on Saturday that local forces should be able to take over within a year.Mr Browne's comments echoed those from Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells on Saturday that local forces should be able to take over within a year.
He said: "Others may describe when they think the Iraqi forces may be able to take over their responsibility... and I agree with them in terms of capacity."He said: "Others may describe when they think the Iraqi forces may be able to take over their responsibility... and I agree with them in terms of capacity."
Britain has about 7,000 troops stationed in southern Iraq around the second city of Basra.Britain has about 7,000 troops stationed in southern Iraq around the second city of Basra.
'On the front foot'
Last week the head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, was quoted in the Daily Mail as saying British troops "exacerbated" Iraq's security problems and should withdraw "some time soon".Last week the head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, was quoted in the Daily Mail as saying British troops "exacerbated" Iraq's security problems and should withdraw "some time soon".
Mr Salih is also due to meet a number of business leaders during his visit to London and will also have talks with Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett, who he previously met during her fact-finding visit to Baghdad last month. General Richard Shirreff, in charge of UK forces around Basra, told Today that forces were beginning to "get on the front foot".
He added: "There are signs we are beginning to see a tipping point where success breeds success.
"We are not there yet. We are beginning to win hearts and minds."
Mr Salih is due to meet a number of business leaders during his visit to London and will also have talks with Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett, whom he previously met in Baghdad last month.