Iraq province ready for handover
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Iraqi forces are due to take control of a second province in the south of the country from UK and Italian troops.
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Iraqis welcomed the news Wednesday that British Prime Minister Tony Blair was about to announce a timetable for the withdrawal of troops from the war-torn nation.
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The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said that any decision to transfer power from the US-led coalition to Iraqi forces is a matter for the Baghdad government, after reports the first handover could happen next week.
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Iraq&#39;s interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi says he is still attempting to reach a peaceful settlement that, among other things, would result in the handover of wanted militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and others associated with him.
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BASRA, Iraq  - Britain handed over security in Basra province to Iraqi forces on Sunday, effectively marking the end of nearly five years of British control of southern Iraq.
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The announcement came even as IraqÂs prime minister said his countryÂs forces can take charge of security by next June.
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Iraq will take control of its armed forces command on Thursday, a major step on its painful path toward independence and an essential move before international troops can eventually withdraw.
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Â· Siege fear as Britain plans handover to Iraqis Â· Commanders say they expect attacks to increase
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Pentagon planners and military commanders have identified areas in Iraq that must be brought under control before elections.
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After handing control of Basra province to Iraqi authorities at the weekend, British officials are hoping the region's economic development will hasten its path towards stability.
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The United States was set on Thursday   to hand over formal command of Iraqi troops to Prime Minister   Nuri al-Maliki's government, a significant step toward the   withdrawal of some 150,000 U.S.-led foreign troops.
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Iraq&#39;s interim government could be within days of reaching what a US official calls a &quot;breakthrough&quot; deal to end fighting for control of Sadr City, a Shiite slum on the eastern outskirts of Baghdad.
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U.S.-led forces turned over control of Iraq's military command to the Shiite-led government Thursday, a key step toward the eventual withdrawal of foreign troops.
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Iraqis in two of the country's most troubled provinces will be permitted to register and vote on the day of elections, the head of Iraq's electoral commission said Saturday.
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A report by an independent commission says that it will be at least 12 to 18 months before Iraqâs army and police can take charge of the countryâs security.
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Iraq's interim Interior Minister Falah  al-Naqib said Monday he believed Iraq could establish full  control of its internal security and borders within 18 months.
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British troops getting ready to head to an area near Baghdad are "relieved" a decision has now been made.