John Reid Iraq Quotations

Many of those present were clearly prepared well in advance to cause trouble, and we believe that the majority of Iraq people would deplore this violence,

Troops are facing a dark time in Iraq but we won't quit,

We are in Iraq for as long as it takes to solve the problems in Iraq, ... until the job is done.

The death of this British soldier in Iraq deeply saddens me. All our thoughts and sympathies are with the family at this very difficult time.

Every day that they (militants) can generate articles telling westerners that Iraq is in turmoil is a day they feel they have done a good job, ... So let's not sell short the progress that is being made.

The total number of troops in Iraq following the deployment of 7 Armored Brigade will be around 8,000,

So the longer this goes, the more pleased the terrorists would be because it gives them the opportunity to intervene with acts of violence and, secondly, because they will claim it is an illustration of the inability of politicians in Iraq to come together.

It will not affect the relationship between Iraq and Britain,

I hope that any country near or bordering Iraq itself would be doing nothing that is or could be construed as assisting terrorists,

I don't think that anybody has ever suggested our troops will be out of Iraq by next May, ... What I have said is in the course of next year there could be the start of the process of the handover to the Iraqis.

It is with deep regret that I can confirm the death of two British soldiers, killed by a terrorist bomb as they carried out their duties in south-east Iraq this morning.

We will withdraw from Iraq when the job is done, not before,

We will stand by Iraq when times are tough and we will be a committed friend, not a fair-weather friend,