Baghdad, Jun 4, (VOI) – A spokesman for U.S. forces in Iraq on Wednesday said that a further withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq is on the cards, reiterating his country's assertions that negotiations with Iraq on the long-term security agreement are moving forward."Four of the five brigades, which were added to the Multi-National Force (MNF) in Iraq in June 2007, have pulled out. In July 2008, the remaining brigade, along with two Marine battalions, will follow suit," General Kevin Bergner said during a Baghdad-based press conference today. Bergner said that a further troop withdrawal will be possible after commanders submit their reports about the progress of the security situation to the top commander.
In early April 2008, U.S. President approved a recommendation made by Top U.S. Commander in Iraq General David Petraeus for the withdrawal of U.S. forces after July 2008. According to the recommendation, a total of 140,000 U.S. servicemen will remain in the country until the end of 2008.