Britain to launch Iraq war inquiry

LONDON. March 26. KAZINFORM. A full inquiry into the war in Iraq will be launched soon after British troops pull out later this year, Foreign Secretary David Miliband said yesterday.

Miliband confirmed in parliament?s lower House of Commons that a probe would be set up as soon as it was feasible. Britain?s 4,100 troops in Iraq are due to complete their mission by May 31, with the pullout set to be completed by July 31. Some 400 troops are due to remain in a non-combat role, largely naval training. During a debate on a full independent inquiry, Conservative opposition lawmaker Edward Leigh said: ?So he can give a commitment, then, can he, that we will set up this inquiry, as soon as practicable after the 31 of July?? Miliband replied simply: ?Yes.? The British government has repeatedly rejected calls for a full inquiry to be held while troops are still on operational duty in Iraq, saying it would be inappropriate; Kazinform refers to Arab News. The inquiry will likely examine the circumstances leading up to Britain?s decision to join the US-led invasion in March 2003, and its aftermath. Anti-war campaigners have been pressing the government for years to hold such an inquiry. Miliband said there were ?important lessons to be learnt? from the conflict, but ?the time to focus on an official inquiry is when the troops come home to safety, not when they are still exposed to danger in Iraq.?