Iraqi city refuses to deal with Britain

Basra city leaders yesterday vowed not to cooperate with British forces until they received an apology and compensation for a late-night raid by British troops that freed two detained soldiers.

The governor of Iraq's second largest city said a unanimous decision had been taken at a provincial council meeting late on Wednesday and it was now up to British forces to make a move to end the dispute that has fuelled anger towards foreign troops.

"The governing council... decided to stop all cooperation with the British until they meet three demands," Governor Mohammed al-Waili said.

"To apologise for what happened, to guarantee that it does not happen again, and third, to provide some compensation for all the damage they did during the operation," he said, referring to the crushing of jail walls by armoured vehicles.

Mr Waili said he expected the governing council to meet British military officials today or tomorrow. Stewart Innes, an official with Britain's consulate in Basra, confirmed negotiations were planned but did not say for when.