BAGHDAD, Iraq, Sept 21, SPA -- Iraqi forces formally took over security responsibility for southern Dhi Qar province onThursday from Italian forces, making it the second ofIraq's 18 provinces to be handed over to local control. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki thanked ItalianDefense Minister Arturo Parisi for his country's help. Italy has about 1,600 troops in the country, mostly in DhiQar's capital of Nasiriyah, and that force is expected tobe withdrawn by year's end. «The Italian contingent is going back. The mission isaccomplished _ the security of the province is in yourhands,» Parisi was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/391327