This is Blair's third visit to Iraq since Saddam Hussein's regime was toppled in April 2003; U.S. President George Bush visited once, just over a year ago. Blair met today with Iraq's interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi.
Blair's itinerary is being kept secret for "security" reasons. During his visit to Israel, he is expected to meet with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and PA leaders, trying to garner support for the "Middle East conference" he plans to hold in London two months from now. Sharon has said that though Israel will not attend the conference, he understands its importance. He expressed opposition to its discussing contested security or political issues, and said it should be restricted to economic issues and the like.
Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert originally expressed objections to Blair's summit, explaining, “We do not want to upset the timetable we have for implementation of the disengagement.”
Blair's itinerary is being kept secret for "security" reasons. During his visit to Israel, he is expected to meet with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and PA leaders, trying to garner support for the "Middle East conference" he plans to hold in London two months from now. Sharon has said that though Israel will not attend the conference, he understands its importance. He expressed opposition to its discussing contested security or political issues, and said it should be restricted to economic issues and the like.
Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert originally expressed objections to Blair's summit, explaining, “We do not want to upset the timetable we have for implementation of the disengagement.”