***US committed to troop withdrawal from Iraq by end of ''11 -- Official ...

May 4, 2011

US committed to troop withdrawal from Iraq by end of ''11 -- Official

CAIRO, Visiting US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Alexander Vershbow asserted here Wednesday that his country is committed to withdraw its troops from Iraq by the end of this year by virtue of the bilateral security agreement.

Vershbow made clear, in statements to the press, following his meeting today with Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa, that all security powers will be transferred to the Iraqi forces, referring to the statement made by US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates during his recent visit to Iraq that in case Iraqi leaders ask for more support, Washington will be willing to consider this request.

He also said that he discussed with Moussa several topics related to conditions in the Middle East region, while expressing the satisfaction of his country for what the region currently sees of changes, hoping to lead up to reform and democracy.

Vershbow also said that his talks with Moussa tackled the situation in Libya as well, noting that his country is satisfied with the support lent by the Arab League for the efforts of protecting Libyan civilians, reaching a political solution, and Gaddafi's quitting power to enable Libyan people jumpstart the stage of democratic transformation.
Asked about the US commandos' recent snuffing out of Osama Bin Laden, Vershbow expressed his satisfaction for the killing of Al-Qaeda leader, though he said that his meeting with Moussa did not discuss the matter.

Vershbow concluded by holding that Bin Laden's death will not put an end to the efforts of combating terror and extremism all over the globe.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2164412&Language=en