MoD denies Iraq policy rift with US

12 April 2012

Relations between the UK and the White House over Iraq are under the spotlight after a leading American diplomat appeared to indicate policy splits.

The Ministry of Defence quickly denied any transatlantic "tension" in the wake of the remarks by US ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad.

But the Tories said the implications of his comments were "very serious for our troops and for the success of operations in Iraq".

The Government remains confident of returning Basra to full Iraqi control in the spring, allowing up to 7,000 troops to be brought home.

And it insists publicly that it is working "hand in glove" with the US - which is sending in thousands of extra troops to defeat insurgents in Baghdad.

But Mr Khalilzad told the BBC the US would prefer British forces to stay longer.

"We're talking about this. It's clear what our preference would be - the longer we stay together here, the better.

"We would like the British to co-ordinate and for us to have a joint plan," he said, adding that he was confident a a "mutually acceptable" agreement would be reached.

The MoD said there was "no tension between US and UK objectives and activities in Iraq".

A spokeswoman added: "We are a major member of the coalition, with senior officers serving in it at every level; our plans are consistent with the coalition's long-term strategy and the Iraqi government's desire for increased Iraqi security responsibility."

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