BAGHDAD — Some American troops will remain in Iraqi cities after a June 30 deadline for combat soldiers to leave urban areas, the top U.S. commander said Saturday.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, meanwhile, dismissed suggestions by his own spokesman that the Iraqi government may ask some U.S. troops to remain as trainers after the Dec. 31, 2011, deadline for the withdrawal of all American troops set by the new U.S.-Iraq security agreement.
Those comments are likely to rekindle debate about the agreement, which was ratified by parliament last month and takes effect Jan. 1. Iraqi voters must approve the deal in a referendum by the end of July.
Iraqi politicians could exploit suggestions of loopholes in the withdrawal timeline to undermine al-Maliki ahead of the referendum.
Gen. Raymond Odierno, commander of coalition forces in Iraq, told reporters that troops who serve in training and mentoring teams would not be included in the mandate to pull combat troops from the cities.
“We believe that’s part of our transition teams,” Odierno said at the U.S. Balad air base, where he met with Defense Secretary Robert Gates. He said the training and mentoring teams would stay at urban security stations to support Iraqi soldiers and police.
The Associated Press
