Biden formally hands over Iraq command

BAGHDAD, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Vice President Joe Biden Wednesday marked the end of the U.S. combat mission in Iraq, saying a new chapter is opening in relations between the two countries.

Biden, flanked by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Adm. Michael Mullen, Gens. James Mattis, Raymond Odierno and Lloyd Austin, Ambassador James Jeffrey and Iraqi leaders, said the Obama administration kept its promise to the American people by withdrawing combat forces, leaving just 50,000 troops whose primary mission is to support Iraqi forces now responsible for the country's security.

"Operation Iraqi Freedom is over. But American engagement with Iraq will continue with the mission that begins today -- Operation New Dawn," Biden said.

Biden said the United States is looking forward to "an economically prosperous and stable Iraq" and praised Austin, who has been installed as the new leader of U.S. forces.

Biden reviewed the history of U.S. involvement in Iraq and recalled the invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. He also remarked on the irony of holding Wednesday's ceremony in the Baghdad palace once occupied by Saddam and acknowledged the "magnitude of the Iraqi losses in this conflict."

"The Iraqi people, to their great credit, have rejected the ugly face of violence and cast their lot, as well as their ballots, for a better future," Biden said.

"And so today, while the threat -- a tragic reality -- of further bloodshed remains, violence has reached the lowest point since 2003, when we arrived here -- shortly after we arrived here."

Biden urged Iraqi politicians to work together to form a viable government, placing the needs of the country above their own interests.

"I pray that all those scarred by this war in Iraq come to know the balm of lasting peace. And I believe -- I truly believe that their darkest days are now behind them," Biden said. "They have such a great opportunity as they step up to it.

"After all that Iraqis endured, we understand their deeply felt desire to control their own lives, determine their own fate, and maintain their own security."

Biden appeared on three Wednesday morning talk shows from Camp Victory in Iraq.

He told CBS' "The Early Show" it's time to focus on restoring the U.S. economy.

Some 50,000 U.S. troops will remain in Iraq until the end of 2011 but the U.S. combat mission officially ended at 5 p.m. eastern time Tuesday.

The war in Iraq has claimed the lives of more than 4,400 U.S. troops, CNN reported.

"The United States has paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the hands of its people," President Barack Obama said in an oval office speech Tuesday night.