, Defence Secretary Des Browne has been setting out the UK's ongoing strategy for Iraq in a speech at Chatham House today, Monday 27 November 2006.
During the speech Mr Browne emphasised that it is not the strategy itself that is changing but the pace at which it unfolds. He also stressed the importance of the reconciliation process, the strategy on the ground as well as highlighting how British forces will continue to provide support to the Iraqi authorities. Following the speech, Mr Browne fielded questions from the audience.
Mr Browne said:
“Reconciliation will take time, and none of us who have been involved in this kind of process before are under any illusion about how difficult and precarious it can be.”
Talking about the strategy on the ground Mr Browne continued:
“There are three main elements, and these have remained the same as long as I have been in this job. First, we are helping the Iraqis build up their own security forces. Second, as these forces develop we are handing them control, province by province, city by city, moving to the point where they have complete responsibility.
“And third, we are underwriting that handover process by leaving in place quick response forces
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