Posted on 02/08/2004 11:56:39 AM PST by gdyniawitawa
CHARLES TRAVELS TO IRAN
The Prince of Wales has travelled to Iran after a whistlestop tour of neighbouring war ravaged Iraq.
In an historic visit, he became the first member of the Royal Family to visit the Islamic country for more than 40 years.
The heir to the throne's secret trip to the capital Tehran followed a surprise morale-boosting mission to see British troops in Iraq earlier today.
Prince Charles flew to the southern city of Basra to meet soldiers serving in the war-hit country.
Charles is the first member of the Royal Family to visit Iraq since the recent conflict and there were intense security arrangements for his top-secret trip.
A spokesman for the Prince said: "We don't normally take the Prince to places as dangerous as this.
"The troops need cheering up. Hopefully this will make a difference."
The Foreign Office is still advising against all but the most essential travel to Iraq, where guerillas are actively targeting British and US interests.
Charles was kept away from the capital Baghdad where the threat of suicide bombers and anti-Western insurgency is high.
In Basra, he met soldiers working to restore peace and stability in Iraq's second city.
Among the servicemen and women were members of the Royal Regiment of Wales, the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment and the Army Air Corps - regiments of which the Prince is Colonel-in-Chief.
He described them as a "remarkable bunch of people" for their work in a campaign to win hearts and minds.
The Prince said: "What you're doing, many of you, training Iraqis to become almost as good a bunch of soldiers as you are, is again of enormous importance.
"This part of the world doesn't have much chance unless their armed force can learn a lot from your experience... not only in the military but in the hearts and minds."
He added: "I understand it can be difficult with family and friends but you are a remarkable bunch of people and I can only salute you."
Last Updated: 19:43 UK, Sunday February 08, 2004
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