Iraq PM hopeful calls for U.S. pullout

BAGHDAD, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The Shi'ite Muslim cleric tipped to become Iraq's prime minister has said his government would demand U.S. forces withdraw from Iraq "as soon as possible."

"No people in the world accepts occupation and nor do we accept the continuation of American troops in Iraq," said Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, leader of the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq, the Sunday Times reported.

"We regard these forces to have committed many mistakes in the handling of various issues, the first and foremost being that of security, which in turn has contributed to the massacres, crimes and calamities that have taken place in Iraq against the Iraqis."

Al-Hakim said Iran and Syria -- both regarded as enemies in the U.S. war on terror -- along with Iraq's other neighbors, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Kuwait, would have roles in the security of the country.

"These countries have past experiences and good security forces and with good relations we can solve this problem together," he said.

The alliance headed by al-Hakim was formed on the initiative of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq's most revered spiritual leader. It is expected to win a majority of seats in the 275-member transitional national assembly, from which the prime minister will be chosen.