Iraq: Blair won't apologise

2004-09-28 16:31

Brighton - Prime Minister Tony Blair refused to apologise on Tuesday for the Iraq war, as he linked the future of that country to Britain's own national security.

"I can't, sincerely at least, apologise for removing Saddam.

"The world is a better place with Saddam in prison, not in power," Blair told delegates at the annual conference of his Labour Party.

He added that "democracy there means security here", and that "it is worth staying the course to bring democracy to Iraq and Afghanistan."

Blair's speech to thousands of Labour faithful was interrupted before he discussed Iraq by an anti-war protester who shouted: "You've got blood on your hands," and then was hustled by security guards out of the hall.

Telling delegates that he wanted to deal "head on" with the Iraq question, Blair admitted that evidence about Saddam's possession of weapons of mass destruction "has turned out to be wrong".

"I acknowledge that and accept that," he said, prompting loud applause.

He added: "I simply point out, such evidence was agreed by the whole international community, not least because Saddam had used such weapons against his own people and neighbouring countries."

With a general election likely to be held next year, Blair also urged the Labour Party to overcome its divisions over Iraq for the greater good of Britain's own security.

"I do not minimise whatever differences some of you have with me over Iraq," he said.

"The only healing can come from understanding that the decision, whether agreed with or not, was taken because I believe, genuinely, that Britain's security depends on it."

- AFP