British Prime Minister Tony Blair will make his televised address to the country "at an appropriate time", following the start of US-led war against Iraq, Downing Street said Thursday..
The five minute address, the first word from the prime minister since the US-led war on Baghdad broke out in early hours in the day, was recorded in Downing Street earlier Thursday before Blair left for the European Union Summit in Brussels.
Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon on Thursday afternoon told the House of Commons the prime minister would make a broadcast once British troops were "substantially engaged" in combat.
British troops are reported to be waiting at Iraq's southern border. Wing Commander Dave Bye said RAF aircraft had not yet been involved in offensive action but could be sent on operations "within 24 hours".
Downing Street sources said Blair was woken shortly after midnight with news that the Baghdad strikes would begin in two hours time. Late on Wednesday night, Downing Street officials were telling journalists that nothing was going to happen overnight.
On Thursday morning, Blair updated his cabinet at what was described as a "sober and serious" meeting and held separate talks with the key ministers and officials who will handle the crisis.
The prime minister is expected to discuss Iraqi issue at the Brussels summit, where he will meet French President Jacques Chirac for the first time since the French president's threat to veto a new UN resolution.
Source:Xinhua News Agency
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