Edward Chaplin: Britain understands Iraq's history

From the speech by the UK representative at the Nasiriyah conference

We are proud of the contribution British forces have made to the liberation of Iraq and the removal of Saddam Hussein's regime. The military task is almost completed. But other important tasks remain ahead.

Some of you will have memories or have heard stories of Britain's role in the early years of Iraq's history. Whatever the rights and wrongs of that era, Britain's long involvement has left us with an understanding of Iraq's history, of your traditions, of your rich culture and of the leading and positive role which Iraq used to play in the region and in the international community.

Our vision for Iraq's future is simply to restore it to its natural place: united, at peace with itself and its neighbours, enjoying effective representative government, playing a leading role in the affairs of the Arab nation and the international community.

Today is the start of a consultative process to work out how best to ensure that the views of all Iraqis are heard before decisions are made on how to move forward. At local level, for example, in Basra and Umm Qasr, we have also been in contact with local leaders and will continue that dialogue. There will be many other opportunities for consultation, at all levels, in the weeks ahead.

Out of that consultation process will come, as soon as possible, the establishment of an Interim Iraqi Authority. The Interim Iraqi Authority will put in place a consultative process to decide on the electoral process and the new political structures that best serve the interest of the Iraqi people.