Maliki: 'No more need' for British troops

British troops are no longer needed to maintain security in southern Iraq as the situation has changed, the country's prime minister has said. Nouri al-Maliki said a "page had been turned" in the country's relationship with the UK. But he criticized Britain's decision to move forces from a base at a palace in Basra to an airport on the edge of the city last year. He said: "They stayed away from the confrontation, which gave the gangs and militia the chance to control the city. "The situation deteriorated so badly that corrupted youths were carrying swords and cutting the throats of women and children. The citizens of Basra called out for our help... and we moved to regain the city." On the presence of British troops in southern Iraq, Maliki said: "We thank them for the role they have played, but I think that their stay is not necessary for maintaining security and control." He said he looked forward to a friendly relationship with the UK government. "The Iraqi arena is open for British companies and British friendship, for economic exchange and positive cooperation in science and education," he said. Maliki said he was concerned discussions over the continued presence of UK troops beyond the end of year had not yet begun. The UN Security Council mandate authorizing the presence of UK forces in Iraq is due to expire on Dec. 31. A status of forces agreement is needed to allow their continued presence -- but Maliki said discussions over its renewal had not yet started. The US government is in negotiations with Iraq over the status of its troops after the end of the year. Without an agreement, or an extended UN mandate, UK troops would "lose their legal cover and have to leave Iraq", he said. "To avoid reaching the critical deadline, I wish for the negotiations between the two sides to start quickly to determine what elements of the force remain and their specialties," he added.