U.K.'s Hutton hails Iraq mission

LONDON, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- British forces in Iraq served with honor in developing a vital partner in the Middle East during their operations, Defense Secretary John Hutton said.

British forces in Iraq are under a special agreement with the Iraqi government following the expiration of the U.N. mandate governing multinational forces. British forces will continue their efforts to train Iraqi security forces and aid developments in the area of responsibility in the south of the country.

"On the basis of our discussions to date with the Iraqi government, I anticipate that these future activities would involve up to 400 U.K. personnel in Iraq," Hutton said.

Hutton noted the Jan. 31 provincial elections were a way for the people of Iraq to take responsibility over political developments and give others a unique opportunity to take part in the political process.

There are more than 1,200 candidates vying for the 35 provincial council seats in Basra, including 337 women, Hutton noted.

The defense secretary told lawmakers the developments in Iraq following years of conflict were a milestone in bilateral cooperation.

"We look forward to a long and fruitful bilateral relationship, covering the full range of cooperation and engagement -- from security to economic, political to cultural -- which will be to the mutual benefit of our two nations for many years to come," he said.