Keetch visits Iraq with Foreign Affairs Committee

6.56.21pm GMT Mon 30th Jan 2006

Paul Keetch MP with British soldiers in Kuwait on a previous visit

Paul Keetch, Liberal Democrat MP for Hereford visited Iraq last week in his role as member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Following the recent announcement of the parliamentary election results, a small contingent of MPs from the committee met with Iraqi officials, including President Talabani and Prime Minister Ibrahim Al Jaafari. As part of the committee's ongoing inquiry into the War on Terrorism, MPs had the opportunity to meet British troops stationed in Basra, the US General Casey, Commander in Charge of all Coalition Forces and the British Commander, Major General John Cooper.

Commenting on the visit, Mr Keetch said "It has been a unique opportunity to meet with the President and Prime Minister, at a time when Iraq is going through a difficult transition to democracy. The recent election results highlight that there is still work to be done, but hopefully the new assembly will work effectively and embrace 'inclusive politics' for the good of Iraqi people.

"I also met with representatives from private security companies, a number of which are based in Herefordshire. We discussed a wide range of local and national issues including the possible phased withdrawal of troops from Iraq."