Obama reassures Iraq on troops withdrawal

The Iraqi government says US President-elect Barack Obama has called Iraq’s prime minister and stressed his commitment to a responsible withdrawal of US forces from Iraq.

A statement from prime minister Nouri Maliki’s office says Mr Obama called Iraq’s leader yesterday.

It says Mr Obama thanked the Iraqi government for its efforts in gaining parliament’s approval of a security pact that sets out a three-year time-frame for a full withdrawal of US troops.

It says Mr Obama has also given assurances he is committed to respecting Iraq’s sovereignty and to a responsible withdrawal of US forces.

The call comes a month after Mr Obama won the US election. He believes resources should be reduced in Iraq and shifted to Afghanistan.