14 November 2006
Tony Blair took part in a video conference today where he shared his ideas for the future of Iraq and the Middle East.
He spoke to James Baker, Lee Hamilton and other members of the Iraq Study Group (ISG).
The PM told the ISG that what he believed was needed was a plan for Iraq, and a plan for the region as a whole focused firstly on resolving the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
He said he believed the Iraqi government increasingly wanted to take control of its own affairs, and we should support them in doing so.
The plan for Iraq, therefore, should build support for better governance, support the Government in rooting out sectarianism among the security forces and help equip the Iraqi army.
The ISG was created in March 2006 to conduct a "forward-looking, bipartisan assessment of the situation in Iraq, its impact on the surrounding region, and consequences for U.S. interests."
They are working on a report, due out by the end of the year.
During a world affairs speech at the Guildhall in London last night, Mr Blair argued that a "whole" Middle East strategy was needed.
It should be made clear to Syria and Iran, he said, on what basis they can help the peaceful development of the Middle East rather than hinder it - and the consequences of not doing so.