Iraq, Britain discuss deal on British troops presence

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Source: CCTV.com | 10-20-2008 08:59

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says talks on the future of British forces in Iraq will start soon after the UN mandate expires on December 31st.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (5th R) meets Britain's  new Defence Secretary John Hutton (7th R) during his visit  to Baghdad October 19, 2008.REUTERS/Iraqi Government/Handout (IRAQ)

After meeting with British Defence Secretary, John Hutton in Baghdad, Al-Maliki announced he'll appoint a team of officials to discuss the future of Britain's 4,000 troops in Iraq.

Britain, like the US, is negotiating an agreement to allow its troops to stay on after a U.N. Security Council mandate expires at the end of the year.