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Blair denies Straw-Iran link

Hasan Suroor

LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair has dismissed as "rubbish'' reports that Jack Straw was removed from the Foreign Office because of his opposition to any military intervention in Iran, or because of pressure from Washington.

He said Mr. Straw had been hugely "close'' to Americans as was reflected in his relations with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and the idea that he was removed at the behest of White House was absurd.

Mr. Blair insisted that the only reason for changing Mr. Straw's portfolio was that he believed that he would be more useful as Leader of the Commons in view of the proposed parliamentary reforms.

Mr. Blair also claimed that there were no plans to "invade'' Iran and made clear that the foreign policy "articulated'' under Mr. Straw would continue under the new Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett. He said Mr. Straw had been a "superb'' Foreign Secretary and the change in his job was no reflection on him.

"Five years is a good stint for a Foreign Secretary.''

Mr. Blair also sought to end speculation about his political future saying he would honour his "commitment'' to quit before the end of his current term.

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