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Blair: Britain Will Reduce Troops in Iraq

British Prime Minister Tony Blair leaves 10 Downing Street Wednesday on his way to address Parliament.
John D. McHugh
/
AFP/Getty Images
British Prime Minister Tony Blair leaves 10 Downing Street Wednesday on his way to address Parliament.

Prime Minister Tony Blair tells Parliament that Britain will withdraw some of its forces from Iraq in coming months and assume a reduced role around the southern city of Basra.

"The next chapter in Basra's history will be written by the Iraqis," Blair said.

The White House calls the announcement a "sign of success," not a retreat.

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