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Sir Menzies calls for Iraq debate Sir Menzies calls for Iraq debate
(about 2 hours later)
The government needs to explain its Iraq policy to Parliament, the Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell has said.The government needs to explain its Iraq policy to Parliament, the Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell has said.
The policy had "failed" and the Iraqi government had to take "responsibility for themselves," he said. The policy had "failed" and the Iraqi people had to take "responsibility for themselves," he said.
Iraq deputy PM Barham Salih, after meeting PM Tony Blair, said help was still needed to fight extremists. Iraq deputy PM Barham Salih said his country still needed the international community to help fight extremists.
Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said once the Iraqi government could "cope", then UK troops would leave. "We need to work together to ensure that that day will come when Iraqis are fully in charge of security," he said.
However, she said there would be no "rash" promises about troop withdrawal, responding to comments by Defence Secretary Des Browne and Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells, who have both suggested recently that local forces should be able to take over within a year or so.
But Sir Menzies, referring to the continuing presence of British troops in the country, said: "I think it's clear, everyone now accepts...that this can't be without limit of time."But Sir Menzies, referring to the continuing presence of British troops in the country, said: "I think it's clear, everyone now accepts...that this can't be without limit of time."
This is our country, we know the culture better, we know the environment better and we have to assume responsibility for the security of our country Barham SalihIraqi deputy prime ministerThis is our country, we know the culture better, we know the environment better and we have to assume responsibility for the security of our country Barham SalihIraqi deputy prime minister
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's PM programme, he said: "There is a moral obligation - even those of us who were opposed to the war accepted a moral obligation to the people of Iraq - but it can't be open-ended.Speaking on BBC Radio 4's PM programme, he said: "There is a moral obligation - even those of us who were opposed to the war accepted a moral obligation to the people of Iraq - but it can't be open-ended.
"It's got to be somehow reflected in Iraqi government and in the Iraqi people taking responsibility for themselves.""It's got to be somehow reflected in Iraqi government and in the Iraqi people taking responsibility for themselves."
He said the government needed to explain to Parliament and the UK public what was happening, as there had not been a debate on Iraq for two years.He said the government needed to explain to Parliament and the UK public what was happening, as there had not been a debate on Iraq for two years.
'Failed' policy'Failed' policy
At the weekend US President George W Bush said military tactics in Iraq would keep changing to deal with insurgents, but the US would not abandon the goal of building a strong democracy.At the weekend US President George W Bush said military tactics in Iraq would keep changing to deal with insurgents, but the US would not abandon the goal of building a strong democracy.
The issue of Iraq, and possible changes in strategy have been increasingly high profile in the US ahead of the elections next month for Congress.The issue of Iraq, and possible changes in strategy have been increasingly high profile in the US ahead of the elections next month for Congress.
Sir Menzies, who said the US elections were prompting a close analysis of the US-Iraq policy, said: "I think the strategy has failed. The prime minister and the president of the United States are the only two people who say it hasn't," Sir Menzies said. Sir Menzies, who said the US elections were prompting a close analysis of the US-Iraq policy, said: "I think the strategy has failed. The prime minister and the president of the United States are the only two people who say it hasn't."
Earlier, Downing Street denied that Mr Blair had pressed Mr Salih for assurances his forces could take over policing south Iraq within a year.Earlier, Downing Street denied that Mr Blair had pressed Mr Salih for assurances his forces could take over policing south Iraq within a year.
Mr Salih said it would not be possible to build a "totally professional security organisation" in a short period of time.Mr Salih said it would not be possible to build a "totally professional security organisation" in a short period of time.
HAVE YOUR SAY Having invaded the country I feel we are under some kind of obligation not just to abandon it Jo Wiltshire, London Send us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAY Having invaded the country I feel we are under some kind of obligation not just to abandon it Jo Wiltshire, London Send us your comments
He told BBC News 24: "We are making progress, but for some time to come we need the help of the coalition.He told BBC News 24: "We are making progress, but for some time to come we need the help of the coalition.
"We recognise that Iraqis must assume responsibility - this is the view of the government of Iraq and it is important that we share the same view as the coalition."We recognise that Iraqis must assume responsibility - this is the view of the government of Iraq and it is important that we share the same view as the coalition.
"We need to work together to ensure that that day will come when Iraqis are fully in charge of security. This is our country, we know the culture better, we know the environment better and we have to assume responsibility for the security of our country." "We need to work together to ensure that that day will come when Iraqis are fully in charge of security.
He said was Iraq was still in transition from a society "traumatised by 35 years of a brutal dictatorship, a society that suffered from deep sectarian divide". "This is our country, we know the culture better, we know the environment better and we have to assume responsibility for the security of our country," Mr Salih said.
Mrs Beckett, who also met Mr Salih on Monday, said: "It would be a mistake to set some kind of false deadline. This is going step by step as it is possible and practicable to move forward." Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said once the Iraqi government could "cope", then UK troops would leave, but stopped short of giving a deadline.
Mrs Beckett, who met Mr Salih on Monday, said there would be no "rash" promises about troop withdrawal.
Mrs Beckett, responding to comments by Defence Secretary Des Browne and Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells, who have both suggested recently that local forces should be able to take over within a year or so, said: "It would be a mistake to set some kind of false deadline. This is going step by step as it is possible and practicable to move forward."
Asked what sort of Iraq she envisioned being left behind, she said one that was democratic, which could "cope" and that was "back on its feet".Asked what sort of Iraq she envisioned being left behind, she said one that was democratic, which could "cope" and that was "back on its feet".
Pressed on whether it would be a disaster if Iraq split up, Mrs Beckett replied: "If that is what they want and they feel it is workable that is another matter."Pressed on whether it would be a disaster if Iraq split up, Mrs Beckett replied: "If that is what they want and they feel it is workable that is another matter."