2 October 2007
A new investment agency and development fund for Basra intended to speed up the process of economic regeneration in the south of Iraq was announced by the Prime Minister today.
Speaking to journalists following hour-long talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki, Gordon Brown said that it was important that economic reconstruction and political reconciliation happened alongside securing security for the people of Iraq.
The PM said giving people hope in the future of Iraq was "vital" and will mean security tensions that have existed in the past "can be lessened".
"We believe that we can provide investment in infrastructure in the port, in micro-credit and small businesses, then more and more people with jobs, and with prosperity," he said.
Mr Brown added that he wants to see "further efforts" from all political parties in Iraq towards a "common and united future".
"I believe that the President and Prime Minister’s Council, that last met in August, should meet very soon so that all the parties that are concerned with the future of Iraq, all the different groupings in Iraq, can be seen to be represented in discussing the future."
- Basra troops "to be reduced by 1,000"
- PM lands in Iraq for talks
- Iraqis will take greater security role - PM
- International section
- Operations in Iraq (new window)
Image copyright: Reuters
delicious
digg
facebook
