Baghdad, Iraq – Iraq’s prime minister was misunderstood when he said the Americans could leave “any time they want,” an aide said Sunday, as politicians moved to end a pair of boycotts that are holding up work on crucial political reforms sought by Washington.
In Baghdad, a car bomb hit a Shiite neighborhood’s central square, killing 10 people and wounding 25. Police said 22 bullet-riddled bodies were found across the city Sunday.
The U.S. military said a soldier from the 13th Sustainment Command was killed Saturday when a bomb exploded near his supply convoy near Baghdad.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told reporters Saturday that the Iraqi army and police were capable of maintaining security when American troops leave.
“We say in full confidence that we are able, God willing, to take the responsibility completely in running the security file if the international forces withdraw at any time they want,” he said.
Those comments appeared to undercut President Bush’s contention that the 155,000 U.S. troops must remain because the Iraqis are not capable of providing for their own security.
On Sunday, al-Maliki adviser Yassin Majid told The Associated Press that the prime minister meant that efforts to build Iraqi forces would continue “side-by- side with the withdrawal.”
Legislation has stalled in part because of boycotts by Sunni legislators and Shiite lawmakers. Negotiations aim to convince both blocs to return for today’s parliamentary session.
