Bush: No decision on US troops in Iraq

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-21-2006 09:07

US President, George W. Bush, has concluded his visit in Indonesia, the last leg of his Asian tour. After a meeting Indonesian leader, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Bush said he'd not made any decision on US troops in Iraq.

Speaking after the presidential meeting, Bush said he had not decided whether to increase or decrease the numbers of US troops stationed in Iraq.

The US leader said he still needed to hear the opinions of those working in the US military, the US Defense Ministry in Pentagon, and other sources in the field.

On Monday, the Washington Post reported an outline by a Pentagon panel, proposing three options to improve the situation in Iraq. These include troop-withdrawal, increasing the number of US troops, or a partial withdrawal with remaining troops staying for a longer period.

Reports suggest the panel is likely to recommend that a small short-term increase in US troops be combined with long-term training for Iraqi forces.

For his part, Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said achieving reconciliation in Iraq, and rebuilding the war-shattered nation, should decide the timetable for US troops to leave.

Yudhoyono said it was also important to get the international community involved in reconstructing and rehabilitating Iraq once the troops depart.

This is Bush's second visit to Indonesia since a brief stopover in Bali three years ago.

Both leaders also touched on global issues and issues pertaining to Indonesia. These included Indonesia's bird flu outbreak, the need for a tsunami early-warning system, as well as ways to improve education and diversify energy.

Editor:Wang Ping