BAGHDAD, Dec. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair paid a surprise visit to Iraq on Thursday following the country's parliamentary elections on Dec. 15.

    

British Prime Minister Tony Blair shakes hands with military personnel in Iraq, December 22, 2005. (Xinhua/Reuters)

    As usual, media blackout was imposed before his visit.

    "Now we can only confirm that Prime Minister Blair is in Basra now, and we will give our press release in an hour," the staff of the British consulate in Basra told Xinhua by telephone.
   

British Prime Minister Tony Blair (R) speaks with U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalizad (L) at Basrah airbase, Iraq December 22, 2005. (Xinhua/Reuters)

    Blair's visit was partly intended to thank the 8,000 British troops stationed in the southern city of Basra ahead of Christmas.

    He is also expected to hold talks on the country's future after the elections.

    Blair flew into Basra from Kuwait on a trip not disclosed in advance and it is his fourth trip to Iraq since the US-led invasion in March 2003. Enditem