Blair calls for perseverance in Iraq during 2004

IRNA

London, Dec 31, IRNA -- Prime Minister Tony Blair Wednesday called for
perseverance in Iraq next year after saying that the decision to go to
war "was the most difficult of all" in 2003. 
"In 2004 we must stick to the task. There will be no better signal
for the Middle East or the world than a democratic, prosperous Iraq 
replacing a tyrannical, brutal dictatorship," Blair said in his New 
Year speech. 
He repeated that "the job must to be seen through to the end" and 
suggested that the recent capture of Saddam Hussein was a "vital 
milestone on the road to a stable Iraq." 
In his speech, the prime minister made no mention of the new 
agreement on Iran`s nuclear programme but said he welcomed the 
recently-announced Libyan decision to abandon its pursuit of a weapons
of mass destruction capability. 
"Libya`s courageous decision to dismantle its weapons of mass 
destruction will also make the world a safer place. And it shows that 
the problems of these weapons, can, with determination and good faith,
be tackled through discussion and engagement," he said. 
His message also expressed determination to press ahead with 
controversial domestic reforms to the public services in the coming 
year, insisting he will not "falter with the job only half done." 
Blair claimed that "Britain is poised to become one of the most 
successful 21st century nations" and said he remained as committed to 
see reforms through as he was when he was first elected in 1997. 
HC/210 
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Blair calls for perseverance in Iraq during 2004