Parliament decides US Forces stay – Maliki

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Premier Nouri al-Maliki discussed in a telephone call this evening questions related to the U.S. forces withdrawal with U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden.   In a statement issued by Maliki’s office, as received by IraqiNews.com, he confirmed that the parliament will decide whether Iraq needs the continued extension of the U.S. forces.   Biden, in his telephone call, exchanged views on the latest developments on the political scene and U.S. forces withdrawal according to the security agreement signed between the two countries.   The statement reported that Maliki stressed that the question belongs to the parliament, though the heads of political blocs will reach to a result in their coming meeting.   Vice-President Biden expressed the U.S. support to Iraq to counter all internal and external challenges, confirming the continuation of strategic cooperation between the two countries.   RM (TS)/SR 1068