US Officials Call on Iraq to Form Government

27 July 2010

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Deputy Secretary of State Jacob Lew address the media at the Combined Press Information Center in Baghdad, Iraq, 27 Jul 2010

The top U.S. military officer and a deputy secretary of state were in Baghdad at the same time conveying the same message to Iraqi leaders - it is past time to form a new government based on the results of the parliamentary elections four months ago.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, told reporters on his aircraft flying to Baghdad that from his point of view, a new government is needed - particularly to discuss the future of the U.S.-Iraq military relationship.

"We are in a position now where we have to wait for a new government to stand up," he said. "All indications are, on both sides, that there is a desire, strong desire, to have a long-term relationship. And the details of that and the vehicles for that strategic framework agreement or whatever are still out there to be determined."

U.S. officials have hinted that some U.S. troops might remain in Iraq after the scheduled withdrawal at the end of next year, if the Iraqi government wants them. The troops would be mainly for training. The head of U.S. training for the Iraqi Air Force said Tuesday the Iraqis will also need help with air defenses after 2011.