Iraq says time for British troops to go
UN: Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki was quoted on Monday as
saying it was time for British combat forces to leave the south of the
country because they were no longer needed to maintain security and
control.
Maliki told The Times newspaper in an interview there might still be
a need for their experience in training Iraqi forces and on some
technological issues, but the emphasis was now on business links. He
thanked U.S.-led forces for their “important help” but said “the page
has been turned”.
“The Iraqi arena is open for British companies and British
friendship, for economic exchange and positive cooperation in science
and education,” he said.
Britain was U.S. President George W. Bush’s main ally in the March
2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq that toppled Saddam Hussein from power.
British troops have helped train the Iraqi army and navy, while a
special forces unit based in Baghdad has been used to strike at
militants from al Qaeda and other groups. Britain has 4,100 troops in
Iraq at present.
Maliki referred to what was widely seen as low point in Britain’s
presence in Iraq when its forces left their base in the southern city of
Basra last year for a base at the airport on the outskirts.
“They stayed away from the confrontation, which gave the gangs and
militias the chance to control the city,” said Maliki.
“The situation deteriorated so badly that corrupted youths were
carrying swords and cutting the throats of women and children,” he said.
London, Monday, Reuters
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