Middle East News
Iraqi forces capable of handling security after US pullout: Minister
Jul 9, 2009, 16:34 GMT
Amman - Iraqi Minister of State for National Security Affairs Shirwan al-Waeli said Thursday Iraqi forces were capable of handling security after the total withdrawal of US troops from Iraqi cities.
'Iraqi forces are ready to take over the situation, be it the internal security or defence of the country,' al-Waeli said after talks with Jordanian Prime Minister Nader Dahabi.
'Problems may take place here and there, but the Iraqi government is serious and determined to ensure that genuine security develops on the Iraqi soil so as to pave the ground for investments and reconstruction,' he added.
According to a statement from the premier's office, the Iraqi minister's talks with Dahabi covered the 'situation in Iraq in the political and security spheres after the pullout of the US troops from the Iraqi cities'.
'The prime minister renewed Jordan's support for Iraq's security and stability with a view to ensuring that it returns to the Arab fold as an effective member state,' it added.
The two men said a planned visit to Iraq by the Jordanian premier would help boost bilateral ties in all fields.
Al-Waeli expressed gratitude to Jordan for the 'facilities it was extending to Iraqis on the border posts and at airports', the statement said.
Jordan hosts about 500,000 Iraqis who fled their country for safety after the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq.
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