Minister says Iraq able to receive security responsibilities

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Minister of Defense Abdelqadir Mohammed al-Ubeidi on Wednesday, said that Iraqi army forces will be ready to receive security responsibilities from their U.S. counterparts if a troop withdrawal takes place. “Our forces are complete in terms of numbers as well as capabilities, and are able to perform all tasks assigned to them,” Obeidi told IraqiNews.com during a reception held by the U.S. embassy in Baghdad on the occasion of the U.S. presidential elections. “In my capacity as the minister of defense, I submit a quarterly report to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to directly inform him of the progress made by army personnel…,” the minister added. SS (P)/SR 1