Iraqi PM says security forces ready

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BAGHDAD, Feb 28 (AP): Iraq's prime minister says the country's security forces have been tested and have shown they are ready to take over from US forces.

Nouri al-Maliki also says President Barack Obama agreed in a phone call Friday on the need to provide Iraq with more military equipment and weapons to fight insurgents and foreign threats.

Obama has declared he will end combat operations within 18 months but leave as many as 50,000 troops behind for additional year and half of support and counterterrorism duties.

Al-Maliki said in a statement Saturday, that the US mission in Iraq "will change completely" but the Iraqis "have proven, through tests, their abilities and efficiency in establishing security across the provinces."