US, UK publish joint declaration on Iraq

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, November 21, 2003

US, UK publish joint declaration on Iraq

Britain and the United States issued Thursday a joint declaration on Iraq following talks between British Prime Minister Tony Blair and visiting United States President George W. Bush.

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Britain and the United States issued Thursday a joint declaration on Iraq following talks between British Prime Minister Tony Blair and visiting United States President George W. Bush.

"For the first time in decades, the Iraqi people are enjoying the taste of freedom. Iraqis are starting to rebuild their country and can look to a brighter future," the statement said.

"But Iraq is still threatened by followers of the former regime, and by outside terrorists who are helping them. The struggle is difficult. Yet we shall persevere to ensure that the people of Iraq will prevail, with the support of the new and strengthening Iraqi security forces: the police, the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, the Facility Protection Service, the border police and the New Iraqi Army," the statement added.

The statement also said that Britain and the United States reaffirm their resolve with many friends and allies, to complete the process of bringing freedom, security and peace to Iraq.

"We warmly welcome the Iraqi Governing Council's announcement of a timetable for the creation of a sovereign Iraqi Transitional Administration by the end of June 2004, and for a process leading to the adoption of a permanent constitution and national elections for a new Iraqi government by the end of 2005," the statement said.

Britain and the United States would honor their long-stated aim of handing over power to Iraqis as quickly as possible, the statement said.

"It is right that Iraqis are making these decisions and for the first time in generations determining their own future. We welcome the Governing Council's commitment to ensuring the widest possible participation in the Transitional Assembly and constitutional process," the statement said.

"We reaffirm our long-term commitment to Iraq. The United States and United Kingdom stand ready to support the Transitional Administration in its task of rebuilding a new Iraq and its democratic institutions. Our military participation in the multinational force in Iraq will serve the Iraqi people, until the Iraqis themselves are able to discharge full responsibility for their own security. At the same time we hope that international partners will increasingly participate in the multinational force," the statement added.

"Our long-term political, moral and financial commitment to the reconstruction of Iraq was underlined at the Madrid Donors Conference last month. Although the Coalition Provisional Authority will come to an end once the Transitional Administration is installed, the United States and United Kingdom will continue to provide assistance as part of the international support effort," it continued.

In this regard, the statement expressed welcome to the involvement and contribution of other nations, international organizations, particularly the United Nations, and the International Financial Institutions.

Bush arrived here on Tuesday evening for a three-day state visit.

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