Wednesday, December 17, 2008

UK troops to leave Iraq in first half of 2009

UK troops to leave Iraq in first half of 2009

A Defence Policy and Business news article
17 December, 2008

UK troops will withdraw from Iraq in the first half of 2009 Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki have announced today, Wednesday 17 December 2008.

The two leaders' joint statement came as they held talks in Baghdad. They said:

"The role played by the UK combat forces is drawing to a close. These forces will have completed their tasks in the first half of 2009 and will then leave Iraq.

"But the partnership between the two countries will continue to take on new dimensions and will be strengthened through co-operation in all areas due to the prominent position of the UK within the EU and in the United Nations Security Council."

At a press conference in Baghdad Mr Brown said:

"We have agreed today that the mission will end no later than 31 May next year. Our troops will be coming home within the next two months [after that].

"We have made a huge contribution and of course given people an economic stake in the future of Iraq. We leave Iraq a better place.

"I am proud of the contribution British forces have made. They are the pride of Britain and the best in the world."

"We have made a huge contribution and of course given people an economic stake in the future of Iraq. We leave Iraq a better place."
From a joint statement by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on 17 December 2008

The full statement issued by Mr Brown and Mr Maliki follows:

"Iraq is going through a remarkable transition following the end of the dictatorial regime, which killed hundreds of thousands of people, destroyed the country and launched a series of reckless wars against its neighbours.

"In the years that followed the fall of the dictatorial regime, Iraqis of different ideologies faced attempts to tear apart their national unity. But they stood together to confront the forces of terrorism and extremism.

"And because of the resolve of Iraqis to protect their country from the evils of terrorism, with the support of the Multi- National Forces, the security situation has witnessed a tangible transformation in all parts of Iraq. There is a sense of optimism for the future to build a free, democratic, pluralist and federal Iraq.

"Following the rejection of dictatorship, Iraq has become a constitutional state that guarantees its citizens their rights to exercise their freedoms and believes in pluralism, justice and equality. Dialogue has become the norm with the rotation of power through democratic means via the ballot box. This has resulted in the Council of Representatives and an elected government that represents all Iraqis.

"There is a sense of optimism for the future to build a free, democratic, pluralist and federal Iraq."
From a joint statement by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on 17 December 2008

"Iraq is making all efforts to remove the effects of war, reduce tension and solve the outstanding issues with its neighbours through peaceful means and not by intimidation or military means. Iraq wants to establish better relations with the countries of the world on the basis of mutual respect and common interests. Iraq has chosen this process of transition from dictatorship to democracy. Via its constitution Iraq is heading for genuine popular participation in the democratic process and will not go back on this.

"The UK stood beside Iraq to remove the dictatorial regime and has co-operated with the Iraqi Government to hand over security to Iraqi forces. Iraq appreciates the sacrifices made by the UK in toppling the former regime and the resources it has invested in many different sectors of Iraq.

"The role played by the UK combat forces is drawing to a close. These forces will have completed their tasks in the first half of 2009 and will then leave Iraq. But the partnership between the two countries will continue to take on new dimensions and will be strengthened through co-operation in all areas due to the prominent position of the UK within the EU and in the United Nations Security Council.

"Iraq and the UK hope that their future relationships will witness increasing development to include wider aspects of mutual interest.

"Friendship between Iraq and the UK is entering a new era and will yield continuing co-operation that will last for many years to come."
From a joint statement by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on 17 December 2008

"On the basis of the partnership between the two countries, the UK is supporting Iraq in international organisations and institutions. It further supports co-operation to develop Iraq's resources by promoting opportunities for economic investment and trade and is participating in reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure. The UK also assists in returning Iraqis to their country, developing the security sector including strengthening the rule of law, technical assistance in military training, and developing co-operative relationships between the two countries in education, science and culture.

"This shared vision will be implemented through memoranda of understanding between Iraq and the UK regarding matters of joint importance. There will be agreement about further steps in the context of the Iraqi-British initiative regarding the following:

A framework agreement on bilateral relations
A strong educational relationship in support of Iraq's Scholarship Initiative
A UK/Iraq Trade and Co-operation Agreement
"This relationship of co-operation and friendship between Iraq and the UK is entering a new era and will yield continuing co-operation that will last for many years to come between the two countries."


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