Jordan's King Abdullah II on Tuesday warned against a hasty U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq, which "may only worsen the problem and contribute to increasing violence and conflict among Iraqis".

In an interview with the official news agency Petra, Abdullah suggested that the U.S. troop should not withdrawal until it sets a timetable and creates necessary conditions that ensure a strong central government and an Iraqi force able to ensure security and stability.

"The increased threat of violence, tension and sectarian strife, which already claims hundreds of lives daily, makes it very important to address the critical situation in Iraq," said the king.

Abdullah stressed that the problems facing Iraq can only be overcome by helping the Iraqis achieve national reconciliation to involve all sectors of the society in the political process and preserve the national unity.

Source: Xinhua