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Ex-British PM Blair says took decision on Iraq war ‘in good faith’

The former British PM says after a reportwas published on the Iraq invasion in 2003 that the decision was in the interests of the country

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair

© EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

LONDON, July 6. /TASS/. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Wednesday the decision to invade Iraq in 2003 was made in good faith and in the interests of the country.

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"Whether people agree or disagree with my decision to take military action against Saddam Hussein; I took it in good faith and in what I believed to be the best interests of the country," Blair said in a statement.

Commenting on the inquiry into Britain’s Iraq invasion in 2003 by John Chilcot, Blaire said he will "take full responsibility for any mistakes without exception or excuse."

"I note that the report finds clearly: that there was no falsification or improper use of Intelligence; no deception of Cabinet," he added.

"I will at the same time say why, nonetheless, I believe that it was better to remove Saddam Hussein and why I do not believe this is the cause of the terrorism we see today whether in the Middle East or elsewhere in the world," the former prime minister noted.

"Above all I will pay tribute to our Armed Forces. I will express my profound regret at the loss of life and the grief it has caused the families, and I will set out the lessons I believe future leaders can learn from my experience," he concluded.

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