31 Dec 2008

Iraq signs troop agreements

3:10 pm on 31 December 2008

Iraq has signed agreements with Britain and Australia for their troops to stay in Iraq.

A United Nations mandate authorising their presence expires on 1 January.

The Defence Ministry said on Tuesday that the agreements would take effect on New Year's Day and would require their departure by the end of July.

Britain has 4,100 troops stationed in Iraq, near Basra. Australia has 300 troops.