Mutlaq, Gates discuss U.S. pullout

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Deputy Prime Minister Saleh al-Mutlaq discussed in Baghdad Thursday with U.S. Secretary of Defense vistas of joint cooperation between the two sides and preparations by the United States to withdraw from Iraq by the end of this year, according to a statement by Mutlaq’s office. “Mutlaq’s talks with Gates dealt with the importance of having Iraq restore its strength in the economic, military and security arenas,” read the statement as received by IraqiNews.com news agency. The Iraqi deputy premier underlined that his country’s stability mirrors that of the region, stressing the need to complete the ministerial portfolios in the Iraqi government, particularly those related to security. “Delays to settle the issue of security portfolios resemble a stumbling stone on the road to construction and development as well as the aspired democratic foundations,” he said. The statement quoted Gates expressing content over the progress in Iraq at all levels, pledging more support for Iraq’s security forces and commitment to the pullout plans agreed on between the governments of Baghdad and Washington. Gates had arrived in Baghdad late on Wednesday for talks with Iraqi officials over U.S. forces’ withdrawal, scheduled late this year. AmR (TS) 606