Iraq still needs U.S. help, Maliki aide says
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BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki was misunderstood when he said Americans could leave “any time they want,” an aide said Sunday.
Maliki told reporters Saturday that the Iraqi army and police were capable of maintaining security when U.S. troops leave.
“We say in full confidence that we are able, God willing, to take the responsibility completely in running the security file if the international forces withdraw at any time they want,” Maliki said.
Those comments appeared to undercut President Bush’s contention that Iraqis are not capable of providing for their own security.
On Sunday, Maliki advisor Yassin Majid said the prime minister meant that efforts to bolster Iraq’s security forces would continue “side by side with the withdrawal.”
Majid urged the United States to continue building up Iraqi forces so they would be ready whenever the White House ordered a troop withdrawal.
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