Iraq insists on withdrawal timetable

BAGHDAD — Iraq's national-security adviser said Tuesday his government would not sign an agreement governing the future role of U.S. troops in Iraq unless it includes a timetable for their withdrawal.

The statement was the strongest demand yet by a senior Iraqi official for the two governments to set specific dates for the departure of U.S. forces. Speaking in Najaf, National Security Adviser Mowaffak al-Rubaie said his government was "impatiently waiting" for the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops.

"There should not be any permanent bases in Iraq unless these bases are under Iraqi control," al-Rubaie said, referring to negotiations toward a bilateral agreement governing the future U.S. military role in Iraq that would go into effect when a United Nations mandate expires in December.

"We would not accept any memorandum of understanding with [the U.S.] side that has no obvious and specific dates for the foreign troops' withdrawal from Iraq," he said.

U.S. officials said the remarks, along with a similar statement Monday by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, were aimed at local and regional audiences, and do not reflect fundamental disagreements with the Bush administration.

White House spokesman Tony Fratto said specific withdrawal dates are not part of the talks.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he anticipates continued drawdowns of U.S. troops from Iraq as Iraqi security forces take charge. But despite pressure from the Iraqi government for a withdrawal timeline, Gates said further troop reductions will depend on conditions on the ground.

"As the Iraqi security forces get stronger and get better, then we will be able to continue drawing down our troops in the future," Gates said during Tuesday's visit to Fort Lewis.

The outcome of the negotiations on the future role of U.S. forces in Iraq is almost certain to have political consequences for al-Maliki and other Iraqi leaders with close ties to the United States.

The Bush administration has long opposed a firm timetable for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq, arguing that the American military should leave only when Iraq's security forces are capable of securing the country.

At the same time, Bush has repeatedly said he would go along with the wishes of the Iraqi government.

Also Tuesday, a U.S. soldier was killed west of Baghdad when a roadside bomb struck his vehicle, the military said. In Baghdad, a U.S. soldier and an interpreter were wounded when an explosive device landed in an outpost shared by U.S. and Iraqi soldiers.

The military said Tuesday that four contractors were killed and eight wounded Monday afternoon south of Mosul by a roadside bomb.