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July 25, 2008 7:53:28 AM CDT

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Britain Defies US on Iraq Pullout

Posted Aug 28, 07 11:48 AM CDT in World 

(Newser) – The UK foreign secretary has challenged American criticism, asserting that only his government will dictate the pace and timing of a British withdrawal from Iraq. David Miliband responded to allegations from a retired US general that the UK army must step up efforts in Basra. "The British national interest," not wider coalition success, will be his focus, Millband said.

Yesterday PM Gordon Brown ruled out a timetable for the removal of British troops from Basra, but a withdrawal is clearly imminent; in a short time all UK forces will be stationed exclusively at Basra airport. On BBC Radio today, Miliband scuppered claims that the UK was waiting for David Petraeus' coming report and continued the new UK government's distancing from the American war effort.

Source Times (UK)

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British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, left, arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Sunday, July 29, 2007, on his first visit to the United States as prime minister. He was heading to Camp David where...   (Associated Press)
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, right, looks on as British Foreign Secretary David Miliband gestures towards the British press as they wait for the arrival of President Bush and British Prime Minister...   (Associated Press)
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband addresses delegates on the United Kingdom's foreign policy, at Chatham House in London, Thursday, July 19, 2007. Miliband said Britain will address shifting patterns...   (Associated Press)
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Iraq  • Iraq war  • United Kingdom  • Gordon Brown  • David Petraeus  • British troops  • David Miliband


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