By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : The Multi-National Forces (MNF) in Iraq have started the first stage of the handover process of the security of the territorial waters to the Iraqi navy.
“The first stage of the process envisages involving a sufficient number of vessels of the Iraqi Naval Force (INF) in patrolling the waters,” Commander of the INF Vice Admiral Mohammad Jawad said in a joint press conference with Paul Abraham of the British Royal Navy here Tuesday.
“Another stage will follow after the INF receives new patrol boats suitable for operations in the north Arab Gulf waters,” Jawad said.
“The process of handing over the total security responsibility for Iraqi territorial waters will be complete by the end of 2010,” he said. “The INF is still small in size but it is growing steadily and has aggressive plans for expansion. It has 1,900 personnel and the number will grow to 3,000 in 2010,” he added.
He thanked the navies of the United States, Britain and Australia for their contributions to strengthen the INF and enhance its combat capability. “Our plans for the first stage of the handover process focus on protecting the security of the onshore facilities and the oil offshore facilities,” he said.
Jawad expressed keenness to work with neighbouring countries to boost security of the Gulf and serve common interests of the region on the basis of mutual respect and neighbourliness.
He excluded any ill-will by neighbouring countries particularly Iran but did not rule out “some foul-play” by fishermen who cross into the territorial waters illegally, deeming it “a normal matter.”
Abraham meanwhile said the role of the Royal Navy was restricted to provision of support to the Iraqi forces in order to ensure the security of the southern water corridors.
He praised the good job of the Iraqi navy in preventing smuggling operations in Um-Qasr, Khor-Zubair and other seaports.