Blair wins Euro help over Iraq

Tony Blair was given a major boost today as France and Germany negotiated a historic deal to share the burden of stabilising Iraq.

The two anti-war countries are on the brink of signing an agreement to help Britain and the US train Iraqi police and security forces.

The deal - expected to be backed by all Nato countries - is the first show of international unity over Iraq since the war. The solidarity comes after Iraq's former prime minister Ayad Allawi warned that the country would collapse unless its waring factions could be united.

But opponents of the conflict are expected to keep the new democracy-at arm's length by making it clear that any training may not take place within Iraq's borders. Neighbouring Jordan is likely to be selected as a base.

Iraq is top of the agenda at a Nato summit in Brussels today and dominated a breakfast meeting between President George Bush and Tony Blair.

Mr Blair and Mr Bush have repeatedly pressed for a stronger Nato role in Iraq but have been thwarted by opposition from France and Germany.

The two countries have resolutely refused to send troops to help bring order to Iraq - even blocking officers based at Nato headquarters from travelling to the country as part of the mission.

But in a breakthrough today, all 26 members of the world's most powerful military alliance were expected to sign an agreement supporting a new Nato training operation.

The success of the mission will play a key part in determining when British troops can pull out of Iraq - with no prospect of withdrawal until allies are confident the Iraqis can keep order without external help.

Speaking to the BBC today, Mr Allawi defended his record as prime minister. He insisted he was not disappointed at polling only 13 per cent of the vote in the recent democratic elections and said he was proud of what he had achieved in the post. He claimed Iraq had been in a "below zero" position when he started, making any progress a good achievement.

Today's deal follows intense behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts by Mr Bush, who hopes his first trip to European Union institutions in Brussels this week will mark the end of the rift with France and Germany over Iraq.

Under the deal, every Nato country will contribute money or expertise to help train senior Iraqi officers based in Baghdad. At least 160 instructors are needed for the first phase of the operation - a challenging number for Britain and the US to provide. The US is currently supplying about 60 instructors.

Spain has offered to help train Iraqis at a de-mining centre outside Madrid, while Belgium has offered money and personnel to join a training mission in the United Arab Emirates. Greece and Luxembourg have made cash pledges, with Luxembourg committing about £150,000.

The agreement sends a signal that opponents of the war are ready to draw a line under the bitter disputes over the case for attack. It could help Mr Blair look less isolated over the war in the run-up to the general election - allowing him to argue that even critics of the conflict are now prepared to help in some way.

Britain and the US hope the breakthrough will pave the way for more joint efforts.