Blair paid tribute to UK military personnel died in Iraq plane crash

Up to 15 British military personnel were killed in Iraq when an air force transport plane crashed northwest of &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/war/2003/04/07/45674.html ' target=_blank>Baghdad, Sky TV says.

&to=http:// english.pravda.ru/world/2001/01/10/1940.html ' target=_blank>Prime Minister Tony Blair earlier confirmed that a number of British personnel died when a Hercules crashed. No information has been released about the cause of the crash, but U.S. officials said helicopters had spotted the wreckage, which was strewn over a wide area.

"Yet again today we see the sacrifice they (British military personnel) make," Blair said in his statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives earlier today. They can be so proud of what their loved ones accomplished. This country and the wider world will never forget them", informs Reuters.

According to the Voice of America, British Prime Minister Tony Blair calls the Iraq election a blow against global terrorism, and he vows to stand by Iraq as it moves to build a democracy. Mr. Blair also paid tribute to British military personnel who died in a plane crash on election day.