British policy in Iraq must reflect British interests - Campbell

8.24.24pm GMT Mon 11th Dec 2006

Liberal Democrat Leader, Sir Menzies Campbell

Commenting on President Bush's comments in his press conference today with Tony Blair ruling out early talks with Iran and Syria to tackle Iraq's unrest, Liberal Democrat Leader Menzies Campbell said "The President's rejection of dialogue with Syria and Iran shows that he is like an ostrich putting his head in the sand of the Middle East.

"The test of Mr Blair's independence of mind is whether or not he is willing to challenge the President's intransigence.

"It is long past the time when Britain should have a strategy for Iraq which reflects reality and British interests.

"If they are really serious about Israel and the Palestinians, Mr Blair and more importantly President Bush have got to be willing to answer the hard questions.

"A two-state solution will not come about by chance, but only if both the President and the Prime Minister are willing to put the full force of their political will behind it."