Britain and US split over Iraq

LONDON - Disagreement between Britain and the US over their policy in Iraq surfaced yesterday as the British government said that it had an agreement with the US and France to declare a haven for Shias in southern Iraq, while a White House spokesman maintained that a final decision had not been made, AP reports.

But in Houston, Marlin Fitzwater said the US was consulting with France and Britain on what to do if Iraqi aircraft continue to hit the Shias. 'The final collective decision is yet to be put together,' Mr Fitzwater said. 'We are in contact with the British and French on the issue . . . We want to stop the repression.'