Blair confident Iraq gov't will succeed

WASHINGTON, May 25 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair told a Washington news conference Thursday he is confident the Iraqis will be able to take control of their security.

Blair traveled to Washington following a surprise trip this week to Iraq where he met with leaders of the newly installed government.

"I think it is possible for the Iraq security forces to take control aggressively of their country," Blair told a joint news conference with U.S. President George Bush.

Bush also said he is confident of Baghdad's determination to defeat the insurgency but he cautioned U.S. troops will remain in Iraq as long as necessary.

"We'll keep the force level there to win," Bush said. "It is important for the American people to know politics won't make the decision. The conditions on the ground will make the decision."