UK, US to start handing security to Iraqis -Reid

LONDON, Mar 13 (Reuters) US and British forces in Iraq could begin the process of handing security responsibilities for some Iraqi provinces to local forces within weeks, British Defence Secretary John Reid said today.

He also said Britain would reduce its presence in Iraq by about 800 troops, roughly 10 per cent of its force.

''In the next few weeks the joint committee to transfer security responsibilities -- a body made up of Iraqi ministers, military staff and senior coalition figures -- will start the assessment phase to look at whether conditions have been met for some provinces to begin the handover process,'' he told parliament.

REUTERS KD RK2210