Britain pledges support for Iraqi gov´t on eliminating sectarian violence

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-18-2006 10:31

British Prime Minister Tony Blair is promising to support the country's government as it battles sectarian violence. David Rathbun has more on Blair's ongoing Middle East diplomacy.

Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair(L) meets with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani in Baghdad, Iraq , Sunday Dec, 17, 2006. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Blair met with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani on Sunday to show support for efforts by the government to halt continuing bloodshed in the country. He said "I will remain and my country will remain doing everything we possibly can to support you and the Iraqi people in your struggle to obtain a democracy you should have and that you want."

Blair also held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. They discussed the need for national reconciliation. And also efforts to build up Iraq's security forces to fight soaring Shi'ite-Sunni sectarian violence.

During a joint news conference, the British prime minister stressed how important it was for Iraq's neighbors to support the Iraqi government. "I think it's important that we exercise all the pressure and authority that we can have to make sure that all countries in the region are supporting Iraq and supporting its people and its democracy. There is a very strong obligation which is set in the United Nations resolution for all countries in the region to be supportive of the prime minister and his government and the Iraqi people and not undermine them." Blair addressed.

Later in the day, Blair arrived in Israel, the next stop on his current diplomatic tour of the region. The Prime Minister is hoping to get the stalled peace process between Israel and its Palestinian opponents moving again. And also bolster support for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Editor:Du Xiaodan