The UK Government is willing to pay compensation for the casualties and damage caused in Iraq when two British undercover soldiers were freed.
During clashes on 19 September, the Army stormed a Basra police station.
The British consulate and a committee of Basra’s council issued a statement announcing the offer and expressing regret at the casualties.
British opposition MPs voiced concern at the move, stressing support for the actions of UK troops.
Several Iraqis were killed or wounded when the police station walls were knocked down, and in a demonstration in Basra.
‘Valid claims’
The joint statement said: "We regret the incidents that took place in Basra on 19 September 2005 at the Serious Crimes Unit.
"We also regret the casualties on both sides and the material damage to public facilities.
“The British government is prepared to pay valid claims for compensation for casualties and material damage in the well-established manner.”
The local council in Basra had demanded compensation and an apology before it would agree to resume co-operation with British forces.
Joint patrols between the British Army and local police have since been curtailed. The statement expressed full support for the “dignity of the institutions and people of the Governorate of Basra and the sovereignty of Iraq”.
read on:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4332136.stm
I was hoping they didnt let up on this one. The brits needed to be taken to task for what they did, and they were. We can thank Basra council for that. :k: