Basra province was officially handed by the British military to Iraq Sunday after four-and-a-half years of full control.

The full responsibility of passing the area to Iraq was made by the signing of a memorandum of understanding by Basra governor Mohammed al-Waili and Major General Graham Binns, leader of British forces in Basra, at the Basra airport, AFP reports.

At the ceremony Muwaffaq al-Rubaie, Iraq's national security adviser, said: "The handover means victory for Iraq and defeat to its enemies. We are celebrating a new marriage today. This achievement is one of the main achievements of the national unity government. It has come after sacrifices and direct support from our sons and all Iraqis. Our biggest challenge is to maintain the security in Basra."

According to Defense Secretary Des Browne, it was a “momentous day” for the residents’ city.

Regarding the British soldiers who have lost their lives since the war in Iraq has started in 2003, he said: "Their contribution has been outstanding and their courage inspiring," the Associated Press informs.

Basra is the fourth and last one province that was under British control since 2003 and that was handed over to the Iraqi people. It’s also the ninth out of the 18 provinces that was controlled by the coalition led by the US.

Administrative power of the province was in local hands for some time.

Also attending the ceremony was Foreign Secretary David Miliband, who said that Britain will remain a friend to Iraq. He added: "Our aim is to see an Iraq run by Iraqis for all Iraqis."

The fact that the security is now in the hands of Iraq does not mean that Britain’s role is entirely over. However, it means that British commander will only intervene if they are asked so.

The city of 1.7 million people is almost an exclusively Shiite city which suffered from the rivalries between Shiite militias. There were concerns that once the British military control is pulled back violence will burst out. So far these concerns weren’t materialized.

The former rebel Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council (SIIC), the radical movement of Moqtada al-Sadr and the smaller Fadhila party are the main factions in Basra and they’ve recently signed a peace agreement.

SIIC chief Abdel Aziz al-Hakim said: "Political competition will not transform itself into armed conflict."