BAGHDAD, Jan. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw arrived in the southern Iraqi city of Basra on Friday and held talks with local political leaders about the formation of new government following the Dec.15 general elections.

   Straw flew to Basra from Lebanon, but it is not clear yet whether he would go to Baghdad.

   Sources said Straw was to discuss post-election situation and the forming of the new government.

   Some 8,000 British soldiers are stationed in Iraq, largely in the area around Basra.

   Prime Minister Tony Blair paid a pre-Christmas visit to the troops in Basra on Dec. 22. Enditem