FM says problems threaten stability despite security successes

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari highlighted problems that he said threaten the country’s stability despite admitting recent security gains, according to Voice of America. “Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told VOA (Kurdish Service) that although there have been significant security gains in Iraq, there are still problems that threaten the country’s stability,” Voice of America said on Friday. “He said he hopes the planned withdrawal of U.S. troops will not reverse the recent progress,” according to the official external radio and television broadcasting service of the United States federal government. “U.S. President Barack Obama has called for American combat troops to withdraw from Iraq by August 2010, with 35,000 to 50,000 remaining until the end of 2011 for support and training.” “Iraqi politicians held no official ceremony as the war in the country entered its seventh year.” “There were small protests against the war in Washington and New York Thursday on the eve of the anniversary. “About 140,000 U.S. troops are currently deployed in Iraq. Late last year, a U.S. congressional report estimated that there were also at least 190,000 private contractors working on U.S.-funded projects in the country,” it noted. “In the six years since U.S.-led coalition forces invaded Iraq, the Web site “Iraq body Count” says more than 91,121 Iraqi civilians have been killed. At least 4,258 U.S. troops have been killed, along with 307 soldiers from other coalition countries. “Some two million Iraqis are believed to have fled the country to escape the violence,” it added. SS (S) 1