LONDON, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- A U.S. general says Britain can start cutting its troops in Iraq in a few months when Iraqi security forces are ready to take control in the country.
Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt of the U.S. Central Command responded to speculation that Britain was preparing to reduce troop numbers beginning May, reports the Independent.
He said the American-led coalition would be happy to reduce troop numbers as local security forces get ready to take over security in Iraq, the report said.
Kimmitt told the BBC that the commander of the coalition forces would have an opportunity to reduce troop numbers "in the next few months".
Britain's Defense Ministry says the pullout reports are "speculative" but acknowledged the government is likely to start reducing its commitment of 8,500 soldiers by the end of the year, the Independent reported. At least 100 British troops have been killed in Iraq.
Separately, Acting Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell told ITV: "We have a moral obligation to ensure that we leave Iraq in as good a condition as we possibly can. That is not served by deadlines."
