U.S. general points to Iraqi future

WASHINGTON, March 6 (UPI) -- The departing U.S. commander in Iraq said the situation there is coming to the point where the past gains are irreversible.

Army Lt. Gen Raymond Odierno said the work done in Iraq over his past 15 months of service there paved the way for broader improvements on the reconstruction front, the American Forces Press Service said.

Odierno served as the commander of Multi-National Corps-Iraq under Army Gen. David Petraeus. He served a combined 30 months of duty in Iraq.

"We were focused for 15 months in Iraq on improving the security situation, which allowed a window of opportunity for economic development, improved governance and enhancement of the Iraqi security forces," he said.

Odierno noted that for the security gains to translate to a more stable Iraq, the strategic mission there needs to focus on things like employment and trade relations.

He also said that the local and national governments need to work together while Iraqi security forces continue to operate under their authority.

Odierno emphasized that the situation in Iraq is a dynamic one with "no blanket solution," stressing the notion that the Iraqis need to find solutions to Iraqi problems.

"The future of Iraq belongs to the Iraqis, and we must support them in moving toward that future," he said.