Obama: Time to phase out US combat role in Iraq

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-08-2009 10:29

US President Barack Obama has told US troops in Iraq and Iraqi officials that it's time to phase out America's combat role. Obama made the remarks during his first visit to Iraq, which came unannounced.

US President Barack Obama addresses US troops during a surprise visit to Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq. (AFP/Mandel Ngan)

The US president addressed hundreds of American soldiers upon his arrival in Baghdad.

Obama said that progress has been made in efforts to reduce violence, but noted that there is more work ahead.

The US leader announced plans in February to withdraw US troops from Iraq on a 19-month timetable. But he also admitted that a force as large as 50-thousand could remain at the end of that period to provide counter-terrorism duties.

He added that for the next year and a half, the US will be a solid partner to the Iraqis.