Maliki: We trust our security forces

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki expressed his government’s confidence in the ability of its security forces to maintain security and stability after the withdrawal of foreign troops, scheduled for 2011. “We have made an agreement on a withdrawal timetable so Iraq can enjoy its own sovereignty. We trust the ability of our security apparatus to maintain security after the departure of these troops,” Maliki said in a speech at the Sydney-based Lowy Institute for International Policy, according to a statement released by his media office and received by IraqiNews.com news agency. “We have put an end to sectarianism, which was the reason for all past crimes, and enacted laws that treat all sets of society equally…,” Maliki added. On Wednesday (March 11), Maliki arrived in Australia, leading a high-ranking delegation that included Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, Trade Minister Abdelfalah al-Sudani, Industry Minister Fawzi al-Hariri and a number of officials. SS (P) 1