Senior US and Iraqi staff discuss US withdrawal

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the U.S. Admiral Michael Mullen met separately with President Jalal Talabani and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki after arriving in Baghdad late Monday night. Mullen spoke with the parties about the U.S. presence in Iraqi after the expiration of the security agreement by the end of 2011. Mullen reiterated his country's readiness to support Iraq and its government to confront the various challenges and activation of the strategic agreement between the two countries. A statement was declared by the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq on Tuesday and was received by "Arabs Today". "Al-Maliki, during his meeting on Monday evening with Admiral Mullen, said that the extension of the U.S. forces in Iraq after 2011 is the decision of the political parties and requires the approval of the Council of Representatives". At the same time he said that "leaders of the parties will reach a final decision at today's meeting held at the headquarters of the Presidency." He added that "Iraq urgently needs security and protection and that the country seeks continued cooperation between Baghdad and Washington regarding this issue." A presidential statement released on Tuesday said that President Jalal Talabani confirmed during his meeting with Mullen the importance of the support provided by the United States in training and equipping as well as rehabilitation of infrastructure of the security forces of Iraq." Mullen attended the meeting with a delegation which included U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, James Jeffrey, the general commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, Gen. Lloyd Austin. He mentioned that all political groups are striving to overcome their own interests to achieve mutual agreements between them by engaging in dialogue. They hope to implement political stability and process within the country. The statement clarified that, "Mullen confirmed U.S. commitment to support the political process and democracy in Iraq and that his country continues in its commitment to support the Iraqi forces, especially in the development of its capabilities as well as other economic and practical fields". The security agreement signed between Baghdad and Washington at the end of November 2008 stated that all U.S. forces should withdraw from all territories, waters and airspace of Iraq no later than 31st of December 2011. The U.S. combat forces were pulled out, due from cities, villages and towns on the 30th of June 2009 to begin compliance with the accord.