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London stands by Arab political reform

Iranian protesters set fires during an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran on February 14, 2011. Last week protests led to the downfall of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's government. UPI/STR
Iranian protesters set fires during an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran on February 14, 2011. Last week protests led to the downfall of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's government. UPI/STR | License Photo

LONDON, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- London is a reliable partner for those in the Middle East seeking their own political voice, the British foreign secretary said after a tour of the Arab world.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague last week met with counterparts across much of the Arab world. His tour took him to Yemen, Jordan and Tunisia, where the governments faced mounting pressure from anti-government demonstrators.

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Demonstrations inspired by a protest suicide in December in Tunisia brought regime change to Tunis and Cairo. Yemen's president said he wouldn't seek re-election and the monarchy in Jordan said it was moving ahead with political reforms.

Hague told members of the British Parliament that London held firm to the belief that the voice of the people deserved to be heard across the region. He said London took the right course by speaking out against repression of those who are frustrated with their governments.

London, he added, would help "with the building blocks of open societies" by stressing the importance of endurable and stable democracy.

"Although we cannot set the pace of this change and must respect each country's right to find its own way, we will be a reliable friend and partner to all those looking to do so, and a staunch defender of Britain's interests in the region," he said in his statement.

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