Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 18 October 2006 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: Last week, the Chief of the General Staff said on Iraq that"““the original intention was that we put in place a liberal democracy... I don’t think we are going to do that. I think we should aim for a lower ambition””." The Prime Minister has never said that, so is it now Government policy?

Answer: No, our policy remains to ensure that Iraq continues as a democracy. We have a democracy in Iraq for the first time in that country’s history, and 70 per cent. of the people came out and voted in the election, which is an extraordinary achievement, despite all the terrorism and intimidation. What is more, they voted for a non-sectarian Government in which the Sunni, the Shi’a and the Kurds all work together. I believe that the maintenance of democracy is absolutely essential for us, in Iraq and in Afghanistan. I know it is difficult, but our task is to stand with the moderates in those countries against the extremists.

Secondary information