UK says could hand Basra to Iraq forces in spring

LONDON, Nov 22 (Reuters) Britain could hand over control of the Iraqi province of Basra to the Iraq government in spring next year, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said today.

''The progress of our current operation in Basra gives us confidence that we may be able to achieve transition in that province ... at some point next spring,'' Beckett told parliament.

Britain has 7,200 troops in southern Iraq, mostly stationed in and around Basra. The city, Iraq's second biggest, remains dangerous with Shi'ite factions battling each other for control and British troops sometimes targeted.

Four British soldiers were killed and three seriously wounded in an attack on a patrol boat in Basra earlier this month.

Britain has handed over authority to Iraqi forces for two of the four southern provinces it was given responsibility for after the US-led invasion in 2003. It also ceded authority for the city of Amara, scene of violent clashes that have tested plans to pass control to Iraqis.

In October, Britain's Foreign Office said it was moving most civilian staff from its consulate in Basra to the airport because the threat of mortar and rocket attacks had increased.

Reuters LL GC1914