UK troops hand over to Iraqis (Muthanna province)

[ProSense]

UK troops hand over to Iraqis

The training of Iraqi soldiers will be the key to the foreign pull-out
The transfer of security to the Iraqi government in Muthanna next month will pave the way for handovers in other provinces, the defence minister says.

Des Browne said the announcement by the Iraqi PM on Monday of the handover "will eventually lead to our ability to draw down our forces in Iraq".

Talking to BBC News from Baghdad, Mr Browne said he is also discussing a long-term security plan for Basra.

About 150 British troops are stationed in the southern Muthanna province.

"We will now begin to look at other provinces ... this is the beginning of that process," Mr Browne said.

"It's an important day for Iraq and a very important day for the UK as well as an important day for the people of Muthanna province."

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5095120.stm#provinces