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U.S. Defense Secretary
PUKmedia agencies 16/11/2011 13:56:15
Defence Minister George Leon Panetta said U.S. troops will leave Iraq by the atheist and the thirtieth of December (December) next, denying the existence of any opportunities to keep the U.S. armed forces in Iraq after that date.
He explained that the United States to deal with an independent State and its sovereignty, and that the administration of such withdrawal to the implementation of the security agreement he reached President George W. Bush and the administration of President Barack Obama to implement it.
Panetta said during a congressional hearing the Government of Iraq refused to grant immunity to U.S. troops from prosecution and confirm Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on the difficulty of obtaining the approval of the Iraqi parliament Bmnj that immunity for U.S. soldiers. At the same time, Panetta acknowledged the existence of grave concern the spread of sectarian violence and discrimination against minorities and the risk of conflicts between the Sunnis and the Shiites and the risk of civil war between Arabs and Kurds, in addition to the dangers of Al Qaeda.
Panetta said: "The purpose of the withdrawal of U.S. forces is that Iraq is the management of its affairs and protect itself, and today are seeing an Iraq that governs itself and we see an emerging democracy is able to meet the needs of its people, and a new chapter of US-Iraqi relations based on common interests and respect."
He said Panetta continued to provide training to Iraqi forces, and cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the continuation of the United States in long-term relationship with Iraq, and said: "Iraq is at the stage where he can deal with the issues of combating terrorism and extremism, and we will see attacks from al Qaeda, but the Iraqis have developed programs to combat terrorism and will continue to help them, and made clear that we are committed to protecting Iraq, "said Panetta, the survival of 40 000 U.S. troops in the region to ensure stability of the region.
He said Panetta that the conflict between Sunnis and Shiites in Iraq is a struggle seen in any democratic state and the solution of conflicts and tension lies in political solutions, not military, Panetta said: "We will continue to help Iraqis form a government and the appointment of ministers of defense and resolve these issues, which will take time, but the leaders Iraq are committed to resolving these issues. "
Panetta stressed the need to bridge the gap in the capabilities of the Iraqi air defense, referring to Iraqi deals to buy F-16 fighter jets from the United States and Washington to provide all logistical assistance to the Iraqi Air Force.
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