The United States said on Monday that it was not surprised by Britain's announcement to cut the number of its troops in Iraq by more than half to 2,500 from early next year.
"This is consistent with previously announced plans by the British to reduce their troop presence in southern Iraq as the Iraqi security forces are able to take lead responsibility in the southern provinces," White House spokeswoman Nikki McArthur said.
"Moving to overwatch status is the desired outcome for all coalition forces in Iraq as the Iraqis continue to take over more security," she said.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said in a statement to parliament earlier in the day that Britain will reduce its force in Iraq -- now numbering about 5,500 -- to 2,500 troops from Spring 2008.
Britain has long been a staunch ally of the United States, and supports the Iraq war launched by the Bush administration.
The White House said last week that it has no objections to Britain's plan to withdraw 1,000 troops out of Basra by Christmas.
"The Iraqi security forces have been working with the British there in Basra, and they've been working to get to this point, where the Iraqis say they are able to take over the security," White House press secretary Dana Perino said last week.
Source: Xinhua
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