The British Prime Minister, Tony Blair has described the death of weapons expert Dr. David Kelly as "an absolutely terrible tragedy". Blair insisted that while an independent inquiry seeks to establish the facts surrounding his death "politicians and the media alike should show some respect and restraint". Blair made his remarks in Tokyo.
He said: "This is an absolutely terrible tragedy. I'm profoundly saddened for David Kelly and for his family.
"He was a fine public servant who did an immense amount of good for his country in the past and I'm sure would have done so again in the future.
"There is now, however, going to be a due process and a proper and independent inquiry and I believe that should be allowed to establish the facts."
Dr. Kelly was the suspected "mole" behind a BBC report that Blair's communications director Alastair Campbell "sexed up" a dossier setting out the case for war.
The ex-UN weapons inspector was publicly grilled by MPs probing the claims on Tuesday after being named as the possible source by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon, Sky News reported.
Dr Kelly, 59, left his home for a walk on Thursday afternoon but never returned. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
