British Prime Minister Tony Blair says his country and the United States will send a team to Iraq to reassess the security situation there.
In a televised interview Sunday, Mr. Blair said the team will focus only on security. He added that it was crucial to strengthen Iraqi security forces so that they can take over.
Meanwhile, Britain's Telegraph newspaper reports London will announce this week that it is sending 650 additional troops to Iraq to boost security ahead of the January 30 elections.
Speaking on the television network ABC, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell expressed concern about the future of Iraq following the elections, but said the vote is the necessary next step.
Some information provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
