September 13, 2007	Thursday	Sha'aban 30, 1428

LONDON, Sept 12: Britain is to recall 3,600 troops from Germany between 2009 and 2014, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.

More than 15,000 British troops will remain in Germany, while those leaving the country will move to bases in Britain.

“This work is driven by the need to deliver operational capability in a more effective and efficient way,” said defence minister Bob Ainsworth. “We will do this by moving towards a more coherent basing arrangement for the army.

“Germany has played a significant part in the history of the UK’s armed forces as a base for our troops for several decades.

“It will continue to remain an important part of its future as well — even after these personnel return to the UK. With the continued agreement of the German government, some 15,000 troops will remain there for many years to come.

“This announcement doesn’t change the close relationship we have with Germany or our commitment to our Nato responsibilities.” Ministers have given provisional approval for HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, 102 Logistics Brigade and 1 Signal Brigade to move from Germany.

Britain’s presence in Germany is its biggest deployment abroad, including Afghanistan and Iraq. There are about 22,500 service personnel and about 23,000 civilian staff and dependents based there.—AFP