WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- The ability of Iraqi forces to keep peace in the country is the "key consideration" for U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, a multinational task force said.
A task force made up of Iraqi, U.K. and U.S. officials, with U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad leading the effort, issued a set of guidelines for foreign forces in Iraq, The Washington Times reported Thursday.
Final recommendations are to be submitted to the Iraqi prime minister by Sept. 26.
The guidelines begin with the capabilities of Iraqi security forces, but include the ability of local governments to keep their areas safe and provide basic services, the Times said.
"The key consideration is the capability of Iraqi security forces," a U.S. military release stated.
In a speech Wednesday, President Bush said the United States would not pull out of Iraq until the country can protect itself. Recent insurgent attacks -- more than 20 U.S. Marines have been killed this week -- indicate that is some ways off.
A spokesman for Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari told the Times a gradual military withdrawal linked with progress on the Iraqi political front may weaken the insurgents.
