Browne signals Iraq withdrawal
Browne signals Iraq withdrawal
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Wednesday, 17, May 2006 04:56
Defence secretary Des Browne has suggested that British forces could begin withdrawing from Iraq within a few months.
Speaking on his first visit to the embattled country since becoming defence secretary, Mr Browne dismissed claims that Basra and the rest of the UK's military command in the south of Iraq were unstable as "ridiculous".
He explained that an improvement in Iraqi security forces, the appointment of a new prime minister and the irrelevance of a "rise in local inter-tribal violence" meant conditions would soon be approaching the level of stability permitting a partial withdrawal of coalition forces.
"The Iraqi security forces continue to increase in proficiency and strength day by day," Mr Browne said.
"As progress continues on the political, security and economic fronts, I am confident that over the next few months, the Iraqi security forces will be able to begin to take control of the security of their country in those areas of Iraq where the conditions are right."
An official from the Iraqi defence ministry told the Independent earlier today that one person was being "assassinated" in Basra every hour and that police were too afraid to visit murder scenes for fear of being killed themselves.
Tony Blair told MPs in prime ministers question time this afternoon that British troops would remain in Iraq "until the job is done".