Iraqi PM: British troops can leave

BAGHDAD, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- British combat troops are "not necessary for maintaining security" in southern Iraq, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told a British newspaper.

In an interview in Baghdad, Maliki told The Times Iraq is "open for British companies and British friendship, for economic exchange and positive cooperation in science and education," but there is no longer any need for British combat forces to stay.

"We thank them for the role they have played, but I think that their stay is not necessary for maintaining security and control," Maliki said. "There might be a need for their experience in training and some technological issues, but as a fighting force, I don't think that is necessary."

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is expected to cut the number of British troops in Iraq next year from the current level of 4,100, the newspaper said. Maliki said the future of British non-combat forces is an open question, since negotiations have yet to begin on their status past Dec. 31, when a U.N. Security Council mandate expires.

Negotiations between Baghdad and Washington on troop status have been held up by disagreement on issues including whether U.S. troops will receive immunity from prosecution in Iraq. Maliki told The Times if Iraq and the United States are unable to agree on a new pact by the end of the year he would ask the United Nations to extend the mandate for foreign troops to remain in Iraq.