Iraqi drawdown on schedule, U.S. says

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. military forces in Iraq will drop to around 50,000 by the end of August as planned, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Christopher Hill said.

A 2008 bilateral security pact sets Dec. 31, 2011, as the date for the departure of U.S. forces from Iraq. The measure includes language for the specific withdrawal of combat forces starting this summer.

Violence in Iraq since 2007 has been on the decline, though a spate of bombings targeting government buildings in 2009 unsettled the security situation. Meanwhile, analysts are watching a tense political situation unfold as Iraq braces for March 7 parliamentary elections.

Hill, in a briefing at the U.S. State Department, said Washington was moving forward with its plans to transform the military mission in Iraq.

"Everything is on schedule for the reduction in our forces to around 50,000 by the end of August and the standing up of advice and assist brigades," he said.

The March 7 election comes amid a dust-up over a decision by the Justice and Accountability Commission of Ahmed Chalabi to ban scores of Sunni candidate from competing in the contest.

Hill brushed off the election concerns, saying Washington was focused on the long-term relationship with Iraq.