Britain says to withdraw 500 Iraq troops in weeks

LONDON, July 16 (Reuters) Britain expects to withdraw 500 of its 5,500 troops from southern Iraq within weeks and will then assess how soon it can remove the remainder of its forces, Defence Secretary Des Browne said today.

''We've got to the point where we presently have 5,500 troops in Iraq and if, as we expect to do, within a matter of weeks manage to hand over the Basra Palace to the security control of the Iraqis, we'll be able to draw down a further 500,'' Browne told parliament.

''At that stage we will make an assessment of the ability of the Iraqi security forces in consultation with our allies -- and principally with our principle ally the United States of America -- about our ability to move from there to the point where we can withdraw our forces,'' he said.

British troops have been deployed mainly in the southern province of Basra, which has a city by the same name and is home to southern Iraq's oil industry.

The number of British troops was recently cut to about 5,500 from 7,000. The continuing withdrawal comes after a months-long operation to train Iraqi forces in the region to take over responsibility for security.

Under plans previously outlined by the British government, British forces will take up a support and training role and be mainly located at Basra air base.

REUTERS SR KN2035