Iraq says ready to take over Basra after UK pullout

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The Iraqi government said on Thursday it was ready to take over security in southern Iraq once Britain withdraws 1,600 troops in the coming months, but insisted that British forces would still be needed for support.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Wednesday that Britain would withdraw almost a quarter of its troops from Iraq, reducing its levels from 7,100 to roughly 5,500, most of them in the province of Basra.

In the first comments by the Iraqi government since Blair made his announcement in parliament, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said Britain's decision to reduce the number of its troops was a sign of the "rapid development" of Iraqi forces.

"The decrease in the number of British forces in Basra Province has been done in agreement with the Iraqi government," a statement from Maliki's office said.

"It is in line with the government's intention to take security responsibility in the province, with the continued need for the help of British forces in time of necessity."

Blair, whose popularity at home has sunk because of Iraq, said British soldiers would remain into 2008 to provide support and training if Iraq wanted.

Last year Britain handed over authority to Iraqi forces for Muthanna and Dhi Qar, two of the four southern provinces it took responsibility for after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.