Iraqis welcome British and Danish pullout

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http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=9255

Iraqis welcome British and Danish pullout

AFP

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"We want to see British forces leaving as soon as possible. Security is in place in Basra thanks to the Iraqi police and army," said 27-year-old Ali Abdullah, who works at the city's electricity firm.

Law student Muthanna Ihsan, 20, agreed.

"Iraqi forces in Basra are ready and able to ensure security. Every Basrawi wishes to see all British forces leaving at one time not gradually," he said.

And Razzaq Nasir, a 58-year-old oil worker, was categoric: "There is no need for them. The British forces in Basra are a big problem for the Iraqi forces and for ordinary Basrawis."

Last year, when British troops pulled out of a base they had operated near Amara in Meysan Province north of Basra, looters stormed the compound and the Mahdi Army, a Shiite militia, held a victory parade.

British commanders are hoping for a calmer handover in Basra.