Posted on 06/16/2009 5:02:21 PM PDT by SandRat
BAGHDAD — The Government of Iraq (GoI) hosted a joint press conference yesterday with Multi-National Force - Iraq in order to discuss the upcoming Security Agreement date of June 30 for U.S. combat forces to be out of Iraqi cities.
Attending the joint press conference were: Mr. Abdul Qadir al-Ubaydi, minister of defense; Mr. Jawad al-Bolani, minister of interior; Dr. Ali al-Dabbagh, spokesman for the Government of Iraq and Gen. Ray Odierno, commanding general, Multi-National Force - Iraq.
“GOI affirms that the American combat forces will completely withdraw by the scheduled date,” said al-Dabbagh. “There will be a specified number of technical forces that will remain for the purpose of training and operating equipment at the request of the Government of Iraq. Any problems or issues that may arise in regards to the security agreement will be resolved bilaterally, between the two states.”
“The power of our relationship is built on a mutual respect for the sovereignty of our nations,” said Odierno. “I am greatly impressed by the capacity and professionalism of the Iraqi Security Forces, and the progress they have made over the last few years.”
The U.S. is committed to full transparent implementation of the Security Agreement in a spirit of partnership with a sovereign Iraq. As stated in Article 24 of the Security Agreement, all U.S. combat forces will be out of cities, villages, and localities by June 30, as agreed.
In order to meet our obligations under Article Four of the Security Agreement, some U.S. forces will continue to train, advise, and coordinate with Iraqi Security Forces. All U.S. forces retain full authority and ability to protect themselves, Iraqi Security Forces, and the Iraqi public.
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