Iraqi parliament approves return of some British troops

IRAQ’S parliament yesterday approved the return of a limited number of British troops to Iraq to help protect its southern oil ports.

Politicians approved a security pact with Britain that would return about 100 troops to provide protection to the oil sites and train Iraqi forces. Iraq’s president and two vice presidents must still sign off on the agreement.

British forces ended combat operations in Iraq earlier this year, withdrawing all but 100 to 150 personnel that were training Iraq’s new navy.

Britain was forced to pull the remaining personnel out to Kuwait when Iraq’s parliament went on summer break without agreeing to allow the British to stay on to protect southern oil ports and train Iraqis there.

US military officials have repeatedly said Iraq has still not purchased the navy ships and patrol planes it badly needs.

Yesterday’s pact drew objections and harsh words from Sadrist politicians, who walked out during the vote. The Sadrist group has about 30 legislators in the 275-member parliament.