(KUNA) -- Iraqi forces will take formal control of a British-controlled area of the country this week, Britains Defence Secretary Des Browne indicated Tuesday. Browne told MPs he expected Iraq's new government to announce the handover of the relatively-peaceful al Muthanna province this Thursday. And he said he would be disappointed if announcements on two further areas did not follow "relatively soon." "As far as I understand it, the Iraqi government intends to formally take over responsibility for al Muthanna province on the 13th," Browne said.The widely-expected takeover of the first province is the first step in moves to transfer control of all 18 over the next year to 18 months. Giving evidence to the parliamentary Defence Committee, Browne said "significant progress'' had also been made in relation to Maysan and Dhi Qar provinces. The Iraqi foreign minister has confirmed Maysan would be next in line for transfer, allowing UK troops to be redeployed elsewhere in the southern region.
Browne said he recognised there were still challenges in terms of the support needed by the Iraqi forces. "I recognise there are still challenges in relation to logistics but I am satisfied that we are making progress with regard to them," he added.