British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair has defended his decision to take his country to war in Iraq during his keynote address to the Labour Party conference today.
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Mr Tony Blair addressing
the Labour Party conference |
But he told delegates in Bournemouth: "Iraq has divided the international community. It has divided the party, the country, families, friends.
"I know many people are disappointed, hurt, angry. I know many profoundly believe the action we took was wrong. I do not at all disrespect anyone who disagrees with me," he said.
"I ask just one thing: Attack my decision but at least understand why I took it and why I would take the same decision again.
"Imagine you are PM, and you receive this intelligence and not just about Iraq but about the whole murky trade in WMD. [weapons of mass destruction] . . . So what do I do? Say 'I've got the intelligence but I've a hunch it's wrong'?". He said Iraq was a better place now that Saddam Hussein was gone.
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"There was no easy choice. So whatever we each of us thought, let us agree on this. We who started the war must finish the peace.
"Those British soldiers who died are heroes. We didn't regret the fall of Milosevic, the removal of the Taliban or the liberation of Sierra Leone and whatever the disagreement Iraq is a better country without Saddam."
He added: "So why do I stay fighting to keep in there with America on the one hand and Europe on the other? Because I know terrorism can't be defeated unless America and Europe work together.
"And it's not so much American unilateralism I fear. It's isolation, it's walking away, when we need America there engaged. Fighting to get world trade opened up; fighting to give hope to Africa; changing its position for the future of the world, on climate change.
"And staying with it in the Middle East, telling Israel and the Palestinians: don't let the extremists decide the fate of the peace process, when the only hope is two states living side by side in peace."
Mr Blair returned to Iraq towards the end of his speech. He told delegates: "During the past months on Iraq, I have received letters from parents whose sons have died as soldiers. One believing their son had died in vain and hating me for my decision.
"Another, a beautiful letter, said they thought Iraq was the right thing to do and though their son was dead, whom they loved dearly, they still thought it was right.
"And don't believe anyone who tells you when they receive letters like that they don't suffer any doubt.
"All you can do in the modern world, so confusing with its opportunities and its hazards, is to decide what is the right way and try to walk in it."Mr Blair admitted his leadership had hit "the rough patch". He said: "People ask me if I am surprised that things have got so tough. I say I am surprised it has taken so long.
"Why? I've been trying to say this to you for the best part of 10 years but never quite found the words. But now I've hit the rough patch, it's time to try again."
PA