Iraq’s Deputy PM reiterates U.S. role’s support for Iraq in prelude to its withdrawal:

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraq‘s new Deputy Prime Minister, Saleh al-Mutlaq, has reiterated in a reception given to the Commander of the U.S. Forces in Iraq, General LLoyd Austin on Thursday, the significance of continuation of the technical role of the U.S. forces, to raise the potentials of the Iraqi security forces to impose their control on the security situation in the country. A statement, issued by the Council of Ministers, copy of which landed in IraqiNews.com news agency, quoted Mutlaq as saying during his reception of General Austin and a number of high-ranking U.S. Army officers as having reiterated “the signifcance of the continuation by the American side to render technical sppport in order to raise the potentials of the Iraqi security forces, to enable them control the security situation in the country, in prelude to the complete withdrawal of the U.S. forces from Iraq.” “We are striving to build a new and strong Iraq, possessing security forces that cope with its regional and international bulk, that will actively share in boosting the platform of security and stability for its people and the whole Region,” Mutlaq said. General Austin, on his part, expressed the U.S. firmness to “implement the Security Agreement concluded between Washington and Baghdad, and to withdraw the American troops from Iraq, in to their scheduled time.” Noteworthy is that the U.S. combat troops have already withdrawn from Iraq at the end of August last, according to the said Security Agreement signed at the end of 2008, whilst the remaining 50,000 American troops shall withdraw from the country by the end of next year. MA (A) / SKH 5