22 May 2006
Tony Blair flew into Baghdad today to mark the formation of the new Iraqi government, calling it a "new beginning" for the country.
He met with his counterpart Nouri Maliki for talks and later spoke to journalists.
The PM praised the "energy, enthusiasm and determination" of Mr Maliki, reflecting on the "three years of struggle" which had led to the creation of the government.
He went on:
"We want to see Iraq and the Iraqi people take charge of their own destiny and write the next chapter of Iraqi history themselves."
Earlier, Mr Blair’s official spokesman said the unexpected trip was a chance for the UK to help the country "take charge of its own destiny".
Over the weekend the PM hailed the formation of the government as a "huge step forward” after Mr Maliki’s ministers were sworn in before a parliament elected by more than 12 million voters.
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