Iraqis 'can run things on their own'

Iraqis 'can run things on their own'

Marines distribute food and water

Iraqis being supplied with food, water and electricity by UK troops should be allowed to look after themselves, according to a senior British officer.

Major Rob Pullman, a key member of the team responsible for co-ordinating the humanitarian aid effort in Umm Qasr, southern Iraq, said it was vital for the military presence to be removed as soon as possible.

There had not been a humanitarian disaster, the officer commanding 131 Independent Commando Squadron, Royal Engineers, added.

And he was adamant the port town's people were more than capable of getting back on their feet independently.

"There is enough of the town intact for them to run things on their own," the 38-year-old, of Hull, said.

"Most are self-sufficient for food for a couple of months.

The British team is run from the ruins of a former hotel

"A lot has been achieved in a relatively short space of time."

Umm Qasr was one of the first targets in the coalition forces ground push.

It fell to US and Royal Marines after several days of fighting.

"The major problem has been the mass looting that took place by the locals during the fighting," Maj Pullman said.

Special Team of Royal Engineers experts and electricians restored power to 75% of the town during the weekend.

They are currently working to supply the final 25%.

But Maj Pullman said: "We are not sure all the parts of the town had electricity in the first place."

"It is important to realise that power to the people of Umm Qasr is not the same as the average British household."

Supplies of water are brought into the port of Umm Qasr on the Sir Galahad

The average Iraqi in this region may have one lamp and, if they are lucky, a fridge.

The British team is run from the ruins of a former hotel by 3 Commando deputy commander Colonel Steve Cox.

"Col Cox is speaking to the leading members of the community to start getting them to sort themselves out," Maj Pullman said.

"When we started they were extremely terrified.

"A uniform to them represented someone getting shot."

Royal Marines and Engineers now distribute food and water without their helmets and flak jackets.

But Maj Pullman hopes it will soon become responsibility of the aid agencies.

"They would like to see us go away and them take over.

"We would be happy with that."