Iraqi PM: Britain should leave

The Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has said that it is time for Britain to pull out of Iraq. In an interview with the Times he thanked British combat forces for their efforts but said they are no longer needed to maintain peace in sourthern Iraq.

"We thank them for the role they have played, but I think that their stay is not necessary for maintaining security and control," he said in an interview in Baghdad. "There might be a need for their experience in training and some technological issues, but as a fighting force, I don't think that is necessary."

However he also criticised a secret deal made last year by Britain with Iraq's largest Shia militia, the al-Mahdi Army. He said that Basra had been left at the mercy of militiamen after a "very" premature British withdrawal from the city.

"The situation deteriorated so badly that corrupted youths were carrying swords and cutting the throats of women and children. The citizens of Basra called out for our help . . . and we moved to regain the city."

The 4,100 British troops currently in Iraq are expected to be cut significantly next year.