Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki published a lukewarm statement on Saturday backing a new American strategy in his country, making his first public comment three days after the plan was introduced.
"The strategic plan announced by US President George W. Bush represents the common vision and mutual understanding between the Iraqi government and the US administration," said a statment from his office. "It is supportive of the Iraqi government's strategy to acquire command and control, as is clear in the Baghdad security plan, which will be commanded by Iraqis with support of multinational forces," it added, according to AFP.
The statement made no mention of US warnings that Maliki's government would be held to specific political goals. "The Iraqi government reaffirms that security and stability in Iraq is a strategic neccesity for people in the region and the world, as terror poses a threat to everyone," his office said.
"The Iraqi government expresses its full commitment to and responsibility for its people and political forces in achieving security and welfare, and in building democracy for Iraqis, who put their trust in this government."
