13:34, 07 May 2009 | GMT +5
Iraq insists on US leaving cities by June 30
BAGHDAD. May 7. KAZINFORM. Iraq's government Monday ruled out allowing US combat troops to remain in Iraqi cities after the June 30 deadline for their withdrawal, despite concern that Iraqi forces cannot cope with the security challenge following a resurgence of bombings in recent weeks; Kazinform refers to China Daily.

Asking US forces to stay in the cities, including volatile Mosul in the north, would be embarrassing for Iraq's prime minister, who has staked his political future on claims that the country has turned the corner in the war against Sunni and Shiite extremists.
The departure of heavily armed combat troops from bases inside the cities is important psychologically to many Iraqis, who are eager to regain control of their country after six years of war and US military occupation.
US officials played down the Iraqi decision, with Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman saying it's up to the Iraqi government to request an extension of the US presence in the cities and "we intend to fully abide by" terms of the security agreement.
The US-Iraq security agreement that took effect this year calls for American combat troops to leave urban areas by the end of June, with all US forces out of the country by the end of 2011.
Extending the deadline would also call into question al-Maliki's claim that his government has set the country on the road to stability -- despite the occasional spike in violence.
On Monday, al-Maliki told an audience in Paris that he would not allow Iraq to be used as a "base for any terrorist organization" and that the country was ready for foreign investment.
Nevertheless, US officials believe security in Iraq remains fragile because the various religious and ethnic groups have still not agreed on power-sharing arrangements necessary for long-term stability; Kazinform cites China Daily. See www.chinadaily.com.cn for full version.