LONDON, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair assured Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih in London Monday Britain will not recall its forces in the near future.
Meeting at Blair's London residence, the men discussed the insurgency that is hobbling Iraq's ability to police and secure itself. After the meeting, Salih said his government was aware the U.S. and British commitment was not open-ended, but was still necessary.
"We do believe there is no option for the international community to cut and run, the future of Iraq is vital to the future of the Middle East and the world order," Salih said. "At the end of the day, it is for the elected government of Iraq to make tough choices but for some time we need the support of the international community."
Recently, British Defense Secretary Des Browne said Iraqi forces could be capable of taking full control in 12 months, but Blair's press office denied Blair would insist on that during the meeting, the BBC reported.
