Iraq welcomes report

The Iraqi government has welcomed a positive report on the progress of the US military surge in Iraq by the top US commander there.

Iraqi National Security Adviser Mowaffaq al-Rubaie praised the US’ ‘enormous sacrifice’ and predicted a reduced combat role for US troops. Rubaie said Iraq was prepared for the US to reduce its forces.”We anticipate in the near term a relaxation of the requirement for coalition forces to be in direct combat operation,” he told a press conference in Baghdad.But he warned against a quick withdrawal of US troops, saying: “We know that for some time we will continue to need the support of coalition forces.”Nampa-BBCRubaie said Iraq was prepared for the US to reduce its forces.”We anticipate in the near term a relaxation of the requirement for coalition forces to be in direct combat operation,” he told a press conference in Baghdad.But he warned against a quick withdrawal of US troops, saying: “We know that for some time we will continue to need the support of coalition forces.”Nampa-BBC