Submit your comments on this article |
Iraq |
Britain, Iraq discuss handover of Dhi Qar province |
2006-08-29 |
![]() British and Iraqi officials have said they expect Dhi Qar province, policed by Italians in the British-led force, to return to formal Iraqi control next month, following the return of neighbouring Muthanna in July. ‘In my estimate Dhi Qar is ready for transition and it should be possible for us now to name a date for that transition,’ Browne told a group of foreign reporters. Earlier, Jassim told reporters: ‘There was the handing-over of security in al-Samawa (Muthanna province); very soon, God willing, security in Nassiriya will be handed over.’ The Italian government has been planning to withdraw its forces from their base in Nassiriya, capital of Dhi Qar. The handover, following that of Australian- and Japanese-run bases around Samawa in July, would leave 7,000 British troops in charge of the oil city of Basra and the province of Maysan, around the city of Amara, along the southern Iranian border. |
Posted by:Steve White |
#1 The Italians are withdrawing; violence is escalating; no one (that I've talked to in the last five minutes) thinks we can win......Quagmire! Withdraw! Panic! etc. |
Posted by: Bobby 2006-08-29 06:24 |