BAGHDAD, April 1, 2008 (AFP) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Tuesday claimed the crackdown on Shiite militiamen in Basra was a 'success' and that 10,000 extra troops would be recruited to keep order in the southern city.

Maliki in a statement said he had decided to implement a seven-point programme in Basra following 'the stability and success of the security plan which achieved the aim of imposing law in the city and restoring normalcy.'

The new plan includes boosting security forces in Basra by recruiting 10,000 new troops, restoring services, imposing a strict check on vehicles without licences, building new houses for the poor and turning government-owned palaces into tourist destinations.