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Iraq ready to control Basra
31/10/2007 15:59 - (SA)
Baghdad - Iraq is ready to take over security in the entire southern province of Basra from the British military, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told visiting Defence Secretary Des Browne on Wednesday.
Maliki assured the British minister of Baghdad's readiness to take on the "terrorists", his office said.
"Iraqi forces are ready to take over the security file in Basra. Our forces are ready to confront any challenges and to chase terrorists," Maliki told Browne, who was on a surprise visit to Iraq.
During the handover of security in central province of Karbala from the US military on Monday, Maliki said Basra was next in line to be transferred to the Iraqis by mid-December.
Maliki told Browne that Baghdad would not stop the national reconciliation process "despite of all the obstacles from those who do not want it to happen".
Browne, meanwhile, pledged London's continued support to Iraq, according to the statement.
"We will co-operate in achieving security and stability in Iraq and especially in Basra which is witnessing progress," he was quoted as saying.
London, which was the key ally in the US-led invasion of March 2003, plans to reduce its military presence in Iraq by 1 000 to 4 500 troops by Christmas.
After the invasion, British troops were charged with maintaining security in four southern provinces.
But they have already transferred control of three back to the Iraqis - Maysan, Al-Muthanna and Dhi Qar.
Only eight of Iraq's 18 provinces have been transferred to local forces so far from the US-led coalition.
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