By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : The Iraqi people will spare no effort in maintaining the independence and sovereignty of their country, and the presence of international forces is necessary for counter-terrorism and to prevent foreign intervention, said Iraqi President Jalal Talabani.
Speaking at the US embassy's July 4 celebrations Wednesday evening, the president said his people sought the assistance of countries of the world to uproot terrorism that was threatening Iraq.
He added that Iraqis appreciated the sacrifices of all those who helped rid the country of dictatorship.
"We are a people seeking freedom and independence … we are aware that the presence of the MNF in our country is necessary to preserve the freedom, democracy and independence that was achieved.
"It is also a necessity for countering terrorism and preventing foreign military intervention until such a time that our armed forces are ready to take over," Talabani said.
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