Middle East News
Al-Maliki: US withdrawal from Iraq to take place on time
Dec 19, 2009, 9:20 GMT
Cairo - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said in an interview published by an Egyptian newspaper Saturday that the United States would withdraw its troops from Iraq in 2011 as agreed.
Al-Maliki told al-Ahram daily that the recent serious of attacks, including one set of car bombs that killed over 130 people, were being executed by people who opposed the country's fledgling political process.
Al-Maliki said there was a move away from sectarianism and towards national politics. Iraq is set to hold elections in March.
He gave the interview ahead of a two-day visit to Cairo, set to begin Sunday, saying he wanted a 'new era of relations' with Egypt.
The two countries are to sign a serious of agreements, including in fields of economic cooperation. Al-Maliki said he was looking for more Egyptian private sector activity in Iraq, including direct investment.
It will be al-Maliki's second visit to the most populous Arab nation since he took office in 2006.
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