Britain was U.S. President George W. Bush's main ally in the March 2003 U.S.-led occupation of Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki was quoted on Monday as saying it was time for British soldiers to leave the south of the country because they were no longer needed there.

Maliki told The Times newspaper in an interview there might still be a need for their experience in training Iraqi forces and on some technological issues, but the emphasis was now on business links.

He said "the page has been turned".

"The Iraqi arena is open for British companies and British friendship, for economic exchange and positive cooperation in science and education," he said.

Britain was U.S. President George W. Bush's main ally in the March 2003 U.S.-led occupation of Iraq.

Britain has 4,100 troops in Iraq at present.

Reuters