Straw welcomes new Iraqi diplomat

Friday, 2 July 2004 12:00 AM

Jack Straw has welcomed the appointment of the first official Iraqi diplomatic representative to the UK for 13 years.

Following the establishment of the Interim Iraqi Government Dr Salah Shaikhly has been named as Iraqi Charge d'Affaires.

Dr Shaikhly was a spokesman for the opposition group the Iraqi National Accord.

There has been no Iraqi diplomatic representation in the UK since the invasion of Kuwait, and the first Gulf War in 1990/1.

Speaking at a dinner for UK-based diplomats the Foreign Secretary said: "It gives me real pleasure to welcome here this evening as Iraq's new Charge d'Affaires in London, restoring diplomatic relations between our countries after a gap of over 13 years.

"Dr Shaikly, many congratulations on your appointment. You are here as the representative of a new, sovereign government in Iraq which is accountable to its people and at peace with its neighbours."

Mr Straw said that the handover of authority was "a milestone of profound importance for the Iraqi people"

He pledged the UK's continued support for Iraq, saying: "Prime Minister Allawi has spoken eloquently of his Government's and the Iraqi people's strength, energy and determination to defeat these people: namely the terrorists who are trying to destroy the hopes of democracy in Iraq."

"But with his agreement, the Multi-National Force, including some 9,200 troops from the UK, will continue to help the Iraqis to defeat them. The relationship will be one of partnership, under the mandate of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1546."

Mr Straw pledged that the operation would be one of partnership, saying: "A Ministerial Committee on National Security, chaired by Dr Allawi, will bring Iraqi Ministers and the Multi-National Force commanders together; and national and local co-ordination centres will ensure that the collaboration works on the ground."

Dr Shaikhly, said: "I am delighted and honoured to be serving the people of Iraq once again, and it is with great pride that I take up my position as the Iraqi representative to such an important country; a friend and ally of the new Iraq.

"I look forward to playing an active role in nurturing a bilateral Iraq/UK relationship based on mutual respect, friendship and trust, and to serving the Iraqi community based in the UK to the best of my ability."

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