Govt welcomes Iraq's Basra plan
Iraqi security forces will take over control in Basra this December
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Tuesday, 30, Oct 2007 06:39
The forthcoming transfer of control in southern Iraq from British forces to Iraqi authorities will not end the UK's commitment to the country, ministers have said.
A joint statement from foreign secretary David Miliband and defence secretary Des Browne said the UK government was "delighted" with yesterday's announcement by Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki that Iraqi security forces would assume responsibility for Basra this December.
Mr Miliband and Mr Browne said praised the "dedication and bravery" of British soldiers and others who had worked to train Iraq's security forces.
They expressed confidence that Iraqis had shown their ability to maintain security in the three other southern provinces formerly controlled by the British, Muthanna, Dhi Qar and Maysa, and added that the formal transfer in December would mark a "new stage" in the British commitment to the country.
"We will continue to train and mentor the Iraqi security forces and we will protect the border and supply routes, while retaining the capability to support the Iraqis directly if so requested. But the Iraqis will take the lead," the statement said.
"We will remain closely engaged with the government of Iraq to promote national reconciliation, and to ensure the development of a diverse and strong economy."
Prime minister Gordon Brown told the House of Commons on October 8th that British forces in Iraq would be cut from 5,500 to 2,500 by next spring as the transition to 'overwatch' took place.