Iraq - Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells arrived in Basra

The Foreign Office reports.

Speaking from the British Consulate-General in Basra, Dr Howells said:

'These are critical times for Iraq. The Iraqi government, still only five months old, faces enormous challenges in building the new political culture and new institutions it needs to govern.

'Operation Sinbad is aimed at doing just that here in Basra. Our forces are working hand in hand with the Iraqi security forces. The signs are that it is making an impact in improving neighbourhoods and reforming the police. Since I was last here, two of the four provinces in the south have been handed over to full Iraqi control. Across the country, more will follow soon.