Alexander Downer (Mayo, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

President Bush spoke to Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki this week and reassured him of America’s full support. He said that the United States would back his efforts to continue building democracy in Iraq and do tougher, necessary work going after the militias and the terrorists. It is the wish of the Iraqi government for the coalition forces to stay the course in Iraq. Particularly noteworthy was a statement made by Prime Minister Tony Blair, a Labour leader, overnight, who made clear his commitment. He said:

What we are doing in Iraq and Afghanistan is important. It is important for the security of our country, for the security of the world ...

Mr Blair stressed the point that is often made that if the terrorists win in Iraq they will be emboldened everywhere. Prime Minister Blair stressed the need to continue working to support freedom and democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan despite the reaction in those countries of the extremists. He said:

... if they are going to use that as an excuse to cause further extremism or violence, that is a reflection on them, it is not a reflection on the work we are doing in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Both President Bush and Prime Minister Blair—and, indeed, Prime Minister Maliki—understand that the sort of weakness we heard about from the Labor Party this week will get us nowhere. Mr Blair said:

You don’t defeat them by sending a message saying we are prepared to walk away.

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