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Rumsfield in the Uk

giulia | 02.05.2003 10:44

Rumsfield in Uk for talks with Blair

Rumsfeld in UK for talks


Rumsfeld is in the UK after Gulf tour
Tony Blair is to meet US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld for private talks on Friday.

The prime minister will meet Mr Rumsfeld at his country residence, Chequers.

The US defence chief, one of the leading architects of the war in Iraq, is also meeting his opposite number in the UK, Geoff Hoon.

Mr Rumsfeld is in the UK after visiting Iraq and Afghanistan and will be discussing the post-war reconstruction of both countries.

While in Baghdad earlier this week, Mr Rumsfeld said US troops would stay in the country only as long as it took to ensure there was a democratic government.

He said the ultimate aim was to create "a free Iraqi government, based on political freedom, individual liberty and the rule of law".

His talks with Mr Blair and Mr Hoon are also expected to discuss controversial new plans from Belgium, Germany, France and Luxembourg for European defence.

giulia