A EURO MP representing Worcestershire has described the situation in Iraq as a "disaster".
West Midlands MEP Liz Lynne said the country's future would be one of the big issues in the coming year.
"Iraq has been the disaster many of us warned it would be," said the Liberal Democrat.
"Even those of us who opposed the war hope that the planned elections this month go well. Let us hope that the Iraqi people can have a free and fair election."
She said improving relations between India and Pakistan over Kashmir would be a key issue in the coming year and predicted her party would make gains if a General Election is called.
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