Iraqi forces took charge of security in a southern province yesterday as part of Britain's plans to scale back its armed presence.

British commanders ceded security responsibility for Maysan, a critical province with Iraq's longest Iranian border and large oil reserves, at a colourful outdoor ceremony and military parade.

Reading greetings from Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki, national security adviser Mowaffaq Al Rubaie expressed hope Iraq would take full charge of all of its 18 provinces before the end of the year.

"Maysan province is the fourth.... To be followed by the three provinces of Kurdistan a month from now. Then Karbala and Wasit, followed by provinces one after the other until the end of the year," he said.

Maysan is the fourth province to be handed over to Iraqi forces since July and the third transferred by British-led troops.

Speaking in London, British Defence Secretary Des Browne hailed the transfer as a milestone but warned the next few months would be a crucial test.

The Maysan governor will now maintain security with provincial police forces but can call for help from the central government, which remains in command of army and national police forces, as well as British troops if necessary.

"We need to recognise ... that security challenges remain in all three provinces. Iraqi authorities now have the ability to deal with the vast majority of circumstances they are likely to face," said Browne.

PHOTO CAPTION

A British soldier patrols a road in Basra, 550 km south of Baghdad, in this February 21, 2007 file photo. (Reuters)

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