Tony Blair going to Iraq

Prime Minister Tony Blair is to visit Iraq to thank the British troops there personally.

Mr Blair made his announcement at the start of a visit to the Gulf but gave no details of when his visit would take place.

It is expected within the next 48 hours.

Mr Blair, asked if the visit to Iraq was important for him personally, said: "Yes, it is important. But it's most important to thank the troops on behalf of the country because this was, more than any other conflict in recent times, this was a very, very tough conflict.

"And people risked their lives, in some cases lost their lives, and so it's right that I go there and I see the troops there and thank them personally and thank them personally out in the theatre."

Mr Blair went on: "I want to see the British troops to thank them for their magnificent performance during the Gulf conflict."

He also said he would be having talks with Britain's new representative in Iraq, John Sawers.

He said he wanted to discuss with the Kuwaiti leadership the prospects for the region generally and to thank them for their help during the conflict.

Asked directly if there was an element of triumphalism in his visit, Mr Blair replied: "No. It's very much one of thanks for the troops who are there still in difficult circumstances, difficult physical circumstances for them, and doing a very good job."

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