Iraqi PM: U.S. troops should leave as soon as possible

By Associated Press

19/07/08 "AP" -- - BERLIN — Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki says U.S. troops should leave Iraq “as soon as possible,” according to a magazine report, and he called presidential candidate Barack Obama's suggestion of 16 months “the right time frame for a withdrawal.”

In an interview with Germany's Der Spiegel magazine released Saturday, Mr. al-Maliki said he was not seeking to endorse Mr. Obama. The Illinois senator and likely Democratic nominee has pledged to withdraw combat troops from Iraq within 16 months if he is elected.

“That, we think, would be the right time frame for a withdrawal, with the possibility of slight changes,” Mr. al-Maliki was quoted as saying. “Those who operate on the premise of short time periods in Iraq today are being more realistic. Artificially prolonging the tenure of U.S. troops in Iraq would cause problems.”

Asked when U.S. forces would leave Iraq, he responded, “As soon as possible, as far a we're concerned.”

The national security adviser to the Obama campaign, Susan Rice, said the senator welcomed Mr. al-Maliki's support.

“This presents an important opportunity to transition to Iraqi responsibility, while restoring our military and increasing our commitment to finish the fight in Afghanistan,” Ms. Rice said in a statement Saturday.

Mr. Obama arrived on his first visit to Afghanistan on Saturday, less than four months before the general election. He also is expected to stop later in Iraq.

Mr. Obama's Republican presidential rival, John McCain, has criticized him for his lack of experience in the region. Mr. McCain has suggested he would pursue an Iraq strategy “that's working” — a reference to the troop buildup credited for sharply reducing violence in the country.

Mr. al-Maliki is scheduled to visit Germany next week for talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel and business leaders amid a renewed German push in helping to rebuild Iraq. Berlin had opposed the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.