Tony Blair to appear before Iraq war inquiry on 21 January

[cory777]

Source: Guardian

Tony Blair, summoned back to the inquiry into the Iraq invasion in light of conflicting evidence revealed since he appeared a year ago, is to appear before Sir John Chilcot on 21 January, it was revealed today.

People successful in a ballot for 60 public gallery seats for the hearing will be notified in the next few days, the inquiry said. A third of the seats will be reserved for families of military personnel killed in the war.

The former prime minister will attend the inquiry for a second time after conflicting evidence was revealed after his first appearance about the legality of the invasion, and assurances he gave George Bush. The inquiry is believed to be concerned about the revelation in documents it released in June. They show that the day before he privately assured Bush he would back US-led military action, Blair was warned by Lord Goldsmith, then attorney general, that an invasion of Iraq would be illegal.

A note from Goldsmith to Blair, marked secret and dated 30 January 2003, stated: "I thought you might wish to know where I stand on the question of whether a further decision of the security council is legally required in order to authorise the use of force against Iraq." Goldsmith warned Blair: "My view remains that a further decision is required."

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/jan/12/tony-blair-chilcot-iraq-inquiry

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[avaistheone1]

1. Perfect pix.

[Alamuti Lotus]

2. If there was justice in the world, it would be a quick inquiry followed by a quicker firing squad

But instead, he remains a pampered servant of power, even as the horrific nature of the mass murders he enabled are well known..

[Kolesar]

3. "Bomber" Blair ... eom

[Solly Mack]

4. k/r

[No Elephants]

5. Should be jailed. Won't be.