Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki stressed that timelines of U.S. Forces withdrawal from Iraq are definite and not subject to any amendments. Thus, Al Maliki contradicted all reports evoking the possibility of extending U.S. military presence in Iraq on account of violence spike in Baghdad streets.

In an interview with Al Sharq Al Awsat Newspaper, Al Maliki considered that if there were any need to, Iraqi government would have extended U.S. Forces presence in the country. He affirmed that neither Iraq nor the U.S. deem the extension necessary noting that he does not want to delay any deadline in order not to convey a negative message.
As for the security situation in Mosul, Prime Minister Al Maliki pointed out that the crisis therein is political while Iraqi security forces are able to handle it without further troops noting that it’s an intelligence operation.
Al Maliki added that Iraqi Forces are ready to take responsibility of the country at a time when British combat troops are withdrawing from Basra.
He stressed as well that the arrest of Al Qaeda leader in Iraq Abu Omar Al Baghdadi is a strong indicator on Iraqi government’s capacity after they managed to weaken Al Qaeda networks which are starting to disintegrate, he uttered.
In regards to the return of disbanded Baath Party to the political process, Al Maliki insisted that Baath Party return is inapplicable neither according to the Constitution nor in the course of history.
Al Maliki explained that some Baathists have been involved in bloodsheds, killings, torture and robbery, dismissing any reconciliation with them. He clarified that their fate is to face justice. Yet, the members who have been forced to join Baath Party will be reinstated, he evoked.
Iraqi Prime Minister considered that reconciliation is a constant endeavor in Iraq. On Arab and neighboring level, Al Maliki underlined the importance to promote relations with Arab countries and neighboring countries noting that Iraqi-Arab relations have forged ahead after Doha Summit in March.
(Source: alsumaria.tv)