US President Barack Obama has repeated his promise to end US combat operations in Iraq by the end of August, despite a dangerous political deadlock in Baghdad and a surge in militant violence last month.
Speaking to the Disabled American Veterans group in Atlanta, Mr Obama sought to underscore progress in winding down the US role in the unpopular Iraq war.
With congressional elections looming in November, it was a reminder to liberal Democrats whose opposition to the Iraq war helped sweep him into office that he was determined to fulfil his promise to ‘bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end.’
‘Shortly after taking office, I announced our new strategy for Iraq and for a transition to full Iraqi responsibility,’ Mr Obama said.
‘And I made it clear that by 31 August, 2010, America's combat mission in Iraq would end. And that is exactly what we are doing - as promised and on schedule.’
50,000 'non-combat' troops will remain in Iraq beyond the 31 August deadline.
Mr Obama's speech came amid political tensions and uncertainty in Iraq over the failure by major parties to agree on forming a new government five months after inconclusive parliamentary elections.
An increase in deadly attacks in July has raised concern that insurgents are taking advantage of a political vacuum to sow sectarian strife.
Mr Obama, facing growing opposition at home to the war in Afghanistan where he has increased US troop levels to confront a Taliban resurgence, also sought to rally public support.
‘We face huge challenges in Afghanistan,’ he said. ‘But it's important that the American people know that we are making progress and we're focused on goals that are clear and achievable.’
