Downing Street Says » Senator McCain/Iraq

The Prime Minister’s Spokesman (PMS) began by telling the assembled journalists that Senator McCain had given a comprehensive press briefing following the meeting with the Prime Minister. They had had a wide-ranging and constructive discussion covering issues such as climate change, reform of the international institution and its development, the Middle East, the economy, Iraq and Afghanistan. The Prime Minister made clear, in particular, his commitment to the importance of the relationship with the United States, which he considered to be our most important bi-lateral relationship.

Asked how long the meeting lasted, the PMS replied that it lasted for approximately 45 minutes.

Asked if there had been a discussion concerning the continuing levels of British troops in Iraq and if the Prime Minister had any view on reducing troop numbers, the PMS replied that there was a general discussion of the situation in Iraq although they did not get into that particular issue. The Prime Minister had always been clear that he would be guided by military advice and conditions on the ground.

Asked if military advice was that the current number of troops would remain in Iraq for the foreseeable future, the PMS said that as and when there was any update on that the MoD would make an announcement.

Put that there had been talk of reductions in the Spring and that it was now Spring, the PMS replied that there was due to be another roulement later in the Spring, and in advance of that the MoD would make their detailed announcements. The key issue for the Prime Minister had always been that he should be guided by military advice and by conditions on the ground.

Put that Des Browne had received the Army Chiefs’ report last week and asked what would happen now, the PMS said that the journalist seemed to have quite a lot of detailed information about exactly what was going on inside the MoD; whether or not it was accurate remained to be seen. However, as and when the MoD was in a position to give an update it would.

Asked if the Prime Minister shared Senator McCain’s recent concerns about Basra, the PMS replied that he did not have much to add to what Senator McCain had already said following the meeting, which was obviously an accurate description of what happened in the meeting where he praised the work and dedication of British troops in Iraq.

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» Thursday, March 20, 2008

Senator McCain/Iraq

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