Iraqi PM calls for speedy withdrawal of US troops

Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al- Jaafari on Wednesday called for speedy and coordinated withdrawal of the US troops from the war-torn country.

At a joint press conference held with visiting US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Jaafari said it is time to work on a coordinated transition of military control in the country from Americans to Iraqis.

"Firstly, we should quicken the pace of training the Iraqi security forces, and secondly, there should be a close coordination in planning between the US-led coalition and the Iraqi government on security transition," Jaafari said.

"We do not want to be surprised by a withdrawal that is not in connection with our Iraqi timing," he added.

For his part, Rumsfeld said there is no exact timetable for the US troops withdrawal, but he also said "we confirm and we desire speed in that regard."

Rumsfeld made a surprise visit to Baghdad on Wednesday morning to urge the Iraqis to finish drafting a new constitution before Aug. 15.

Source: Xinhua