from the BBC NEWS

Prime Minister Tony Blair has made a surprise visit to the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

Mr Blair is due to have talks with President Jalal Talibani and Prime Minister Nouri Maliki.

“He’s in Baghdad against a backdrop of the continuing major security operation but also significant developments in Iraqi politics,” a spokesman said.

It is Mr Blair’s seventh visit to Iraq and is expected to be his last before he steps down from office next month.

The British leader landed in Baghdad’s heavily-fortified Green Zone after flying from Washington DC via Kuwait.

Mr Blair is expected to push for greater reconciliation between Iraq’s Sunni and Shia factions.

Sunni and Shia leaders are having regular meetings with elected Iraqi officials.

Mr Blair’s spokesman said: “The next few months are crucial in building on that momentum.
“What the prime minister will want to highlight in this visit is the fundamental link between politics and security.”