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Obama warns of difficult days in Iraq

President Barack Obama warned on Saturday "there will be difficult days ahead" in Iraq and said the US will remain a strong partner to Iraq for its security.

  • AP
  • Published: 22:54 July 5, 2009
  • Gulf News

Washington: President Barack Obama warned on Saturday "there will be difficult days ahead" in Iraq and said the US will remain a strong partner to Iraq for its security.

Obama, speaking to military families at the White House for Independence Day festivities, praised Iraq's independence and thanked troops for their service. Because of the courage, capability and commitment of soldiers who have served in Iraq, the country is now "taking control of its own destiny", he said.

"Iraq's future now rests in the hands of its own people. As extraordinary an accomplishment as that is, we know that this transition won't be without problems," he said.

"We know there will be difficult days ahead. And that's why we will remain a strong partner to the Iraqi people on behalf of their security and prosperity."

The White House invited about 1,200 military families to attend the Fourth of July gathering on the White House South Lawn.

Obama told the service members they were "the latest, strongest link in that unbroken chain that stretches back to the Continental Army".

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