Tony Blair: The Fight Against Terrorism Must Include Military Action and Regime Change if Necessary - 2002-04-08

Tony Blair, the Prime Minister of Britain, expressed his support for the U.S. military action against Saddam Hussein, the President of Iraq. This is the strongest expression of support from the British Prime Minister regarding an attack on Iraq to date. Tony Blair stated that the fight against terrorism must, if necessary, be accompanied by military action and, when justified, by the removal of regimes. The British Prime Minister emphasized that no effort should be spared to free the world from terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. He described the Iraqi regime as loathsome and brutal, asserting that Saddam Hussein must allow international weapons inspectors unrestricted access to all areas of Iraq where weapons facilities might exist, or else he should expect consequences for his lack of cooperation. Blair spoke to reporters on Sunday in Texas at the end of his three-day visit with President Bush at the U.S. President's private ranch. The leaders agreed on all options being considered in dealing with Iraq. In Baghdad, Saddam Hussein stated that he would resist U.S. military action by any means possible. Iraqi media quoted Saddam Hussein as saying that Iraq would fight the U.S. with missiles, warplanes, reeds from marshes, and even stones. U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell stated on Sunday that there are currently no plans to attack the Iraqi leader.