Maliki says Iraqi forces determined to assume responsibility in Basra

By NNN-KUNA

Baghdad : Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki told his British counterpart Gordon Brown that Iraqi forces were determined to take over security responsibility in Basra within three months.

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Maliki, in a phone conversation with Brown Thursday, said it was important to activate coordination with cooperation between the British forces and the Iraqi-led security committee in the southern city of Basra.

A statement from Maliki's office quoted him as hoping the role of the British forces be restricted on support while the Iraqi troops take the bulky part of the security responsibility.

Brown, said the statement, said Britain was keen on contributing to the reconstruction of Iraq and the increase of British investments.