President: U.S. on track to meet Iraq troop withdrawal deadlines

President Barack Obama on Sunday signaled the United States was still on track to withdraw most of its combat forces from Iraq by August, and all of its troops stationed there by the end of 2011.

Obama also praised Iraqi leaders and U.S. forces for the successful conclusion of Iraq's parliamentary elections, though the president cautioned that "very difficult days still lie ahead."

"By any measure, this was an important milestone in Iraqi history," Obama told reporters. "Dozens of parties and coalitions fielded thousands of parliamentary candidates, men and women.  Ballots were cast at some 50,000 voting booths. And in a strong turnout, millions of Iraqis exercised their right to vote, with enthusiasm and optimism."   

"We are mindful, however, that today’s voting is the beginning and not the end of a long electoral and constitutional process," Obama added.

Ultimately, it could take weeks for election observers to certify the results, and months for the Iraqi parliament to take shape and select a prime minister -- periods during which U.S. forces expect a slight uptick in violence.

Still, Obama signaled he was confident after Sunday's vote that Iraq had successfully entered the next phase of its nascent democracy.

However, the election also means the U.S. military will soon enter the final stages of its combat operations in the Middle Eastern state, where forces have operated in a wide array of capacities for almost eight years.

Obama said Sunday the military was on track to withdraw most U.S. troops from Iraq beginning in August 2010, and all troops by the end of 2011. Both targets are part of an agreement reached between U.S. and Iraqi negotiators last February.  

"And as they go forward, the Iraqi people must know that the United States will fulfill its obligations," Obama said. "We will continue with the responsible removal of United States forces from Iraq."
 
"Today, in the face of violence from those who would only destroy, Iraqis took a step forward in the hard work of building up their country," the president continued. "The United States will continue to help them in that effort as we responsibly end this war, and support the Iraqi people as they take control of their future."

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