Blair – no sane alternative to EU-US alliance
Prime Minister Tony Blair last night called on detractors of EU-US foreign policy to back the “rebirth” of Iraq or face long-term instability in the Middle East.
In his annual Guildhall speech to the Lord Mayor of London’s banquet, Mr Blair said the transatlantic alliance remained in “good shape.”
Mr Blair, who was widely criticised for backing the US-led invasion of Iraq, said it would be a “disaster” if anti-US feeling were to pervade and derail European foreign policy.
The UK’s close relationship with the US and membership of the European Union were mutually compatible “twin pillars” on which British foreign policy was undergirded, he said, warning there was “no sane alternative” to the ongoing collaboration in rebuilding post-Saddam Iraq.
In his speech, he said the ongoing crisis in Iraq was a “battle of seminal importance for the early 21st century.”
He said: “It will define relations between the Muslim world and the West. It will influence profoundly the development of Arab states and the Middle East. It will have far-reaching implications for the future conduct of American and Western democracy.”
The premier pledged not to give up or retreat “one inch” until Iraq was “free”.
His speech comes ahead of US President George W Bush’s visit to London next week.
