US and Britain hand over control of bases to Iraqi govt
British forces have handed over control of Basra's air base to Iraqi forces
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Thursday, 01, Jan 2009 12:51
American and British troops have handed over control of important bases to Iraqi government troops in ceremonies in Baghdad and Basra.
The US handed over control of the Green Zone, a heavily fortified area that was the headquarters for US operations in the country, and Saddam Hussein's former palace to local forces while the UK has handed over control of Basra's air base to Iraqi forces.
British troops had taken up a supervisory role in Basra from the province's air station after control of the territory was returned to Iraqi forces earlier this year.
Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki declared the day a national holiday and heralded the ceremonies as proof that sovereignty was being returned to the Iraqi people.
In a speech in the capital's town hall, he said: "It is our right to consider this day the day of sovereignty and the beginning of the process of retrieving every inch of our nation's soil.
"The palace is the sign of Iraqi sovereignty and it is a message to all Iraqis that our sovereignty has returned."
US forces will stay in Baghdad to advise Iraqi troops but will no longer control all activities in the area. Legislation passed by the Iraqi parliament permits US forces to stay in the country till 2011 and UK troops to stay in the country until July 2009.