By Prensa Latina
Washington : President George W. Bush will leave to his successor the future of US troops in Iraq, since his plans do not include reducing its forces in 2008.
The New York Times says that a videoconference with the US military and political executives proves that Bush will not reduce the forces although his term is coming to an end.
The talks involved, among other, General David Petraeus, head of the US troops in Iraq, and US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker.
The NYT says Petraus asked Bush to bring home 30,000 troops who are to return by July, in line with the Pentagon rely schedule. Both brigades were sent as reinforcement on early 2007 due to surging insurgent hostility against the invaders.
The US-led multinational force should end its mandate in Iraq on December 31, 2008 under Security Council Resolution 1.723 of November 2006.
The US attended talks this month in Baghdad to extend its stay in Iraq. Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said they want to sign an extra Congressional accord, away from Democratic wishes to withdraw before the UN resolution expire.
It would exclude permanent bases, will neither tie the hands of a future commander in chief nor require Senatorial confirmation, said Morrell.