Tony Blair: Iraqis Must Take Control of Their Country as Soon as Possible - 2003-04-02

Tony Blair, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, states that following the current conflict in Iraq, Iraqis must take control of their country as soon as possible. In a speech to the House of Commons, Mr. Blair mentioned that the coalition fighting to overthrow Saddam Hussein intends to establish a temporary government to manage Iraq, but after a short transitional period, Iraq must be governed by Iraqis for the first time in decades. Jack Straw, the British Foreign Secretary, told the country’s radio that while advisors from other countries may be present in Iraq, foreigners will not govern Iraq. Meanwhile, Costas Simitis, the Prime Minister of Greece, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, called on the United Nations to play a leading role in the post-war reconstruction of Iraq. These comments came after reports indicated that Jay Garner, a retired U.S. Army general, would lead the temporary government of Iraq. According to reports, Mr. Garner and coalition officials are in Kuwait preparing plans for governing Iraq in the post-war period. This retired American general led humanitarian efforts to assist Iraqi Kurds in 1991.