Iraq is willing to have the US withdraw its troops even before the end of 2011 - the departure date agreed to by former President George W Bush, the Iraqi prime minister's spokesman said.
Iraq is willing to have the US withdraw its troops even before the end of 2011 - the departure date agreed to by former President George W Bush, the Iraqi prime minister's spokesman said.
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Spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh made the comment ahead of a meeting today in Washington between President Barack Obama and his senior commanders to discuss the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Obama promised during the campaign to bring home all US combat troops within 16 months of taking office.
The new president said in his inaugural address yesterday that he would "begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people."
Al-Dabbagh said yesterday that Iraqis had been worried about a quick US departure. With the emphasis on a responsible withdrawal, al-Dabbagh said the Iraqi government was willing for the US to leave "even before the end of 2011."
The Bush administration agreed in November to remove all US troops by the end of 2011. US commanders are concerned that a rapid departure would threaten the fragile security established since 2007 after years of military and political setbacks.
Violence is down sharply in Iraq but attacks still continue. A roadside bomb exploded early today in the northern city of Kirkuk, killing one civilian and wounding another, police Col Baldar Shukir said.
A blast late last night killed an Iraqi soldier and wounded another, police in the capital said. (AP)
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