Britain "must not retreat" from world stage
David Miliband was previously the environment secretary
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Monday, 09, Jul 2007 10:26
Newly-appointed foreign secretary David Miliband has said he wants Britain to remain a "global player" in terms of international policy.
In his first interview since prime minister Gordon Brown moved him to the foreign office, Mr Miliband noted that Britain's relationship with the US will remain vital and that he wanted to get "the most out of" the foreign office.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Mr Miliband said that those who believe that "anti-Americanism" is the route to a better world were mistaken.
"I don't believe you can solve any of the world's big problems without the active engagement of the United States," he said.
The foreign secretary added that countries such as India were also significant, explaining the reasons behind his visit to the country as environment secretary.
"I went there because I thought politicians of my generation who didn't understand what the world looked like through Indian eyes weren't going to understand the world very well," he said.
When conversation shifted to the Middle East, Mr Miliband was steadfast in the opinions he has held since joining the cabinet; notably continuing to stick to his decision to vote for the Iraq war.
In addition, despite the role of Hamas in recently freeing the BBC journalist Alan Johnston, Mr Miliband said the group's action did not "at all" change the government's position on Hamas, which has overthrown the government in Gaza and continued not to recognise Israel.
In terms of military action against Iran over its continued uranium enrichment programme, Mr Miliband said that the whole international community wants "a non-military diplomatic solution to this problem".
Overall, the foreign secretary aimed to stick closely to the prime minister's opinions on global matters and refused to reveal any significant shift from international policy under Tony Blair.
When asked what the resounding message of his initial intentions as foreign secretary were, Mr Miliband said he did not want to see Britain "retreat from the world".
"I think part of my job is to make sure that Gordon Brown gets the most out of it [the Foreign Office] and that's what he wants me to do and that's what I want to try and do," he concluded.