PM meets Kurdish leader at Number 10

31 October 2005

Tony Blair has held talks with Masoud Barzani, the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, in Downing Street today.

Speaking to journalists afterwards, the PM reflected on the way forward for Iraq.

"After the constitutional referendum the next stage is to have successful elections in December. 

"We hope that they will be successful and that that will allow Iraq to become the stable and democratic country its people want to see.  And thanks to you and all of your colleagues for your courage throughout this process."

Mr Barzani thanked Britain for its help in liberating Iraq, and expressed his condolences to the families of those soldiers who had lost their lives. 

Extra information

• Read the transcript of the doorstep interview
• Foreign and Commonwealth Office (open in new window)