He said the U.S. military, in accordance with the Status of Forces
Agreement, was also preparing to leave Iraqi cities by June 30.
"It is enabled by a close working relationship and the collocation of
partnership units and transition teams," Walker said. "We have reached the
point where partnership units are the core of what Multi-National Corps-Iraq
does."
Officials said SOFA has forced Iraq to accelerate preparations to end
its reliance on the United States. They said less than half of the Iraqi
military and police units — which comprise more than 600,000 personnel —
were deemed capable of independent operations.
"We have returned over 100 bases to Iraq since October," Walker said.
"The provisions of the security agreement make our partnership with Iraqi
forces that much more important."
In May 2009, the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki
decided not to extend the June 30 deadline for U.S. redeployment. U.S.
commanders had sought to retain combat troops in Baghdad and Mosul.
"We will adhere to the security agreement," Walker said. "So, all combat
forces will be out of the cities unless there is a specific invitation from
the government of Iraq."
Officials said that despite the Al Qaida spike the rate of attacks in
Iraq in 2009 has been about half of that of last year. They reported fewer
than 100 attacks per week in 22 of the 26 weeks this year. This, as the U.S.
military reduced its forces by more than 20 percent since late 2007.
For his part, Walker said the U.S. military was focusing on building an
Iraqi command and control network, logistics and intelligence. But the
general said U.S. combat troops would be on alert for any call to help their
Iraqi counterparts after redeployment.
"They'll [U.S. forces] have to drive a bit more, but they will be
available," Walker said.
