CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Friday that any U.S. troop withdrawal would have to satisfy both parties and protect Iraq's sovereignty. Maliki, who earlier this month suggested that a timetable may be set for the departure of U.S. troops, would not be drawn on any specific dates when asked by reporters after meeting Pope Benedict at the Pontiff's summer residence.
"There is a dialogue between us and the multinational forces, and we hope that we can reach results that satisfy both parties and protect the achievements made in Iraq and protect the sovereignty of Iraq," Maliki said.
U.S. troop levels are a key battleground in November's U.S. presidential election and Democratic contender Barack Obama has pledged to remove U.S. troops within 16 months of taking office should he win the election.