U.S. bids farewell to Iraq coalition force

BAGHDAD, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- U.S. military officials in Iraq praised the work of their coalition partners as the U.N. mandate for the international intervention there draws to a close.

The U.N. Security Council adopted unanimously a joint resolution Monday offered by the United States and Britain that formally recognizes the expiration of the U.N. mandate for multinational military operations in Iraq as of Dec. 31.

A press statement by Multi-National Forces-Iraq, the U.S.-led command and control unit, said coalition forces were ending their missions in the country in light of the improved security environment.

There were 25 members of the U.S.-led coalition operating in Iraq as of September. Several of the remaining 19 foreign forces are in the process of withdrawal, though Iraqi lawmakers Tuesday approved a measure for British and several other foreign troops to remain in the country after the U.N. mandate expires.

"As we bid farewell to longtime Coalition partners, we recognize that their departure represents a great success, which has been achieved here in Iraq," said Maj. Gen. David Perkins, spokesman for MNF-I. "They have proven to be some of the finest military personnel we've had the privilege of working with here in Iraq."