Mullen: Iraq must decide soon on US troops: "Iraq has just 'weeks' to decide if it needs US troops to stay beyond a year-end deadline, the top American military officer warned on Friday, cautioning that time was running out.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen said no request had been made by the Iraqi government for any American troop presence here beyond 2011, and his remarks reiterated those of US Defence Secretary Robert Gates on a visit two weeks ago.
"It (talks) needs to start soon, very soon, should there be any chance of avoiding irrevocable logistics and operational decisions we must make in the coming weeks," Mullen said at a news conference at the US military's Victory Base Camp on Baghdad's outskirts.
He added he was "certain my government will welcome that dialogue" were it to take place.
"
