The top commander of U.S. forces in Iraq said here Thursday it is possible that the United States pulls out more troops from that country beyond July.
During a Senate hearing, Gen. David H. Petraeus said he expects to recommend further cuts in the size of U.S. forces in Iraq before he gives up command in September.
Under the current plan, the Pentagon is reducing its troop presence in Iraq down to 15 brigades, or about 140,000 troops, a process to be concluded by July.
Neither the Pentagon nor U.S. President George W. Bush made commitment for further reduction beyond that.
But Petraeus said he did not rule out the possibility of further cuts.
He added that those further cuts may be small, though it is possible.
"My sense is that I will be able to make a recommendation at that time of further reductions," Petraeus said.
He made the remarks as the Senate Armed Services Committee was discussing his nomination to become the head of the Central Command, which overseas both wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno was nominated to succeed Petraeus as the top commander in Iraq.
Democrats signaled that they will not block the two nominations.
At the hearing, Petraeus also accused Iran's alleged involvement in Iraq, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories and Afghanistan.
"In each location, Tehran has, to varying degrees, fueled proxy wars in an effort to increase its influence and pursue regional ambitions," he added.
Source:Xinhua
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