Britain's Brown Pledges to Learn Lessons in Iraq
'Pakistan Times' Foreign Desk

BAGHDAD (Iraq): Britain's future prime minister Gordon Brown pledged in Iraq on Monday to learn the lessons of the past barely two weeks before taking over from 2003 war architect Tony Blair.

"I think it's important to learn all the lessons, just as Tony Blair has said he acted in good faith but mistakes were made," Brown said during his first visit to Iraq since he was chosen by the Labour party as Blair's heir.

Brown told reporters that his visit was an attempt to get a first hand report on the situation on the ground, "very much an assessment more than anything else, a fact-finding trip," he said.

"I think the issue in Iraq is this -- how can we help the Iraqi people not only run their own security and build a democracy but offer a prosperity they are perfectly capable of doing?"

"I think it's important to learn the lessons to look forward now," said Brown, who is due to become prime minister on June 27.

The British leader, accompanied by Defence Minister Des Browne on the one-day visit, held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and later with President Jalal Talabani.

Talabani's office said Brown, currently Britain's finance minister, reaffirmed his country's sustained support for Iraq.

"The British minister of finance praised the presidency and stressed the continuous support of his country to Iraq to achieve democracy, reconciliation and economic development," a statement from Talabani's office said.

It said the leaders also discussed the security situation in Iraq, including the ongoing Baghdad security crackdown.

"They also discussed the role of British forces to build and rehabilitate the Iraqi military's abilities and participation in delivering peace and stability in southern Iraq" where the British troops are based.

Maliki's office said the embattled Iraqi premier promised Brown sustained efforts to tackle his country's problems.

"The solution to Iraq's problem is not just increasing the number of forces, but to find a political solution. The difficulties and challenges will not stop the government achieving its goals," a statement from the premier's office quoting him said.

About 150 British troops have been killed in Iraq since the March 2003 US-led invasion. Britain has pledged to withdraw this year about 1,600 troops from a force of 7,100 soldiers deployed in the south of the war-ravaged country.●