Do not cut and run - Iraqi deputy PM

Iraq's deputy prime minister today urged the international community not to "cut and run" from his country.

Barham Salih was speaking after talks with Tony Blair, amid growing controversy on both sides of the Atlantic over how long coalition troops can remain in the country.

He told reporters in Downing Street: "We do believe there is no option for the international community to cut and run, the future of Iraq is vital to the future of the Middle East and the world order."

He said Iraqis had to give the lead but they would need help for some time.

He said: "This is a society that was traumatised by 35 years of tyranny, and trying to build a functioning democracy in the heart of the Islamic Middle East.

"This is not an easy situation, but we are mindful of our responsibility. At the end of the day, it is for the elected government of Iraq to make tough choices, but for some time we need the support of the international community."

Earlier a Downing Street spokesman rejected reports that Mr Blair would use the meeting to press Mr Salih for assurances that Iraqi security forces would be ready to take over control of the south of the country within 12 months.

Speculation over Britain's exit strategy was heightened this weekend by Foreign Office minister Kim Howells, who said he expected the home-grown police and army to be in a position to take over responsibility for security within a year.

But Defence Secretary Des Browne declined to back up this prediction, saying only: "British forces out when the job is done. This is a process and not an event."

Meanwhile, there are reports that US President George Bush is considering punishing the Baghdad administration if it fails to meet deadlines to stop the violence, which has flared to new heights in the past month.

Reports suggested the US would set benchmarks covering progress on military, law and order and economic goals - including the disarming of militias - with "penalties" to be imposed by Washington if they were missed.

No 10 today emphasised that it was for the Iraqi government to judge when it was ready to take on responsibility for security.

Mr Blair's official spokesman said that any decision on the draw down for British forces would be a "political decision".

"This is a process, not an event. We are not working to an arbitrary deadline. We are working to the point where the Iraqis are capable of providing for their own security," the spokesman said.

"We are still in the business of Iraqisation."