Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by David Leslie Taylor (Labour). It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 22 May 2006 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq

Answer: I am sure that the whole House will join me in sending condolences to the families of Private Joseva Lewaicei and Private Adam Morris, who were killed on Saturday 13 May north of Basra city. Our thoughts are also with the soldier injured in that incident, with the two soldiers who were injured in the incident at the weekend in Basra, and with their families. Although insurgents continue to pursue a policy of violence and intimidation with the aim of disrupting the political process in Iraq, the majority of attacks are confined to four of the 18 provinces. However, their efforts have not precluded the formation of a new Government of national unity in Iraq. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said this morning, that is a huge step forward which deserves international support. In Basra, and across Multi-National Division (South-East), despite recent tragic events the security situation remains relatively calm.

Secondary information