By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : The Iraqi cabinet has hailed the report of US Commander in Iraq General David Petraeus and US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker regarding that nation’s situation and progress so far.
Iraqi National Security Advisor Muwaffaq Al-Rubaie said in a statement Tuesday the report transparently depicted Iraq’s situation and historical progress to establish democracy through a national agenda.
Iraq’s government and forces still need the support of the Multinational Force (MNF), said Al-Rubaie who added that seven provinces were now under the control of Iraqi forces after taking them over from the US, British and other international forces.
Speaking at the US Congress on Monday, Petraeus said his forces managed to cleanse Baghdad from all members of the al-Qaeda militant group, noting the possibility of gradually withdrawing US troops without risking loss of control over the security situation.
He recommended beginning later this month with the pullout of a contingent of US marines, followed by a gradual withdrawal until nearly all of the 30,000 extra troops are home.
Petraeus also warned that a premature decrease of US troops in Iraq would be devastating, noting that another decision on force numbers could not be made until next March.
On his part, Crocker said the US can achieve its goals in Iraq.