Reid looks to Iraq troop handover

Mr Reid inspected troops

Iraqi security forces could take control of some UK-run areas of Iraq in 2006, Defence Secretary John Reid has said during a visit to Basra.

Mr Reid inspected British troops and met new members of the Iraqi army in the southern Iraqi city.

He said the quality of the 210,000 Iraqi security forces meant the handover could start next year.

But he stressed British troops would not leave completely until Iraqi forces could "defend their own democracy".

Growing debate

The trip comes amid a growing debate over how long UK forces should remain on the ground in Iraq.

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has said British troops could leave by the end of 2006. Ninety-eight UK soldiers have died since the invasion in 2003.

Mr Reid told the BBC his talks with generals on the ground suggested growing Iraqi security forces might be able to take over certain regions in 2006.

"That does not mean to say that that will happen everywhere at the same rate or that we will be removing all our troops," he said.

"We'll be here as long as is necessary. We'll not go until the Iraqi armed forces are capable of defending their own democracy.

"But that is a process of handover that could begin in the course of next year."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said the trip had been a "regular" visit to see British forces in the southern Iraqi city.

'Right direction'

BBC correspondent Jon Leyne, in Basra, said: "We're talking about some sort of withdrawal at some stage next year.

"But (Mr Reid) was very cautious to say 'we're not going to pull them all out and we're going to remain here, with as many as are needed, so long as the Iraqis need us'.

"It could just be that a small number would leave next year and more in the future.

"They're very much trying to give the impression that things are going in the right direction and that direction means at least some British forces will be able to pull out next year."

The visit also comes two weeks before Iraqis vote in elections for a constitutional assembly and Mr Reid said his visit was a chance to thank troops for helping to make that possible.

"The elections on December 15 represent a further milestone for the political process in Iraq in what has already been a historical year," he said.