Iraq rejects US remarks about delay in withdrawal

Iraq has rejected outright remarks by a top US military commander over postponing the withdrawal of combat troops in case the country faces serious political conditions after the parliamentary elections.

Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told Press TV that Baghdad is resolved to take security responsibilities from the United States and that the US forces must leave the country as planned.

He rejected remarks made by Army Gen. Ray Odierno that US forces would remain after the planned withdrawal date if the country faced political unrest or widespread violence after parliamentary elections in March.

Dabbagh said election is an internal affair and that other countries are not allowed to interfere with the matter.

Under an agreement between the US and Baghdad, all combat troops are to leave the country by Aug. 31 although some 50,000 will remain behind to help train Iraqi security forces.

The remaining forces are also supposed to leave Iraq by the end of 2011.