Edit …   Amal El Lathi

Iraqi National Security Adviser Qassem Al - Arghai insisted on the need for Iraqi forces to train and upgrade their combat capabilities and did not require any combat force.

The Iraqi National Security Adviser's statement during his reception of the NATO Chief of Staff, Admiral Joachim Roll, stated that "the two sides have explored joint cooperation in order to achieve security and stability in Iraq and the region."

"The withdrawal of foreign combat forces from Iraq helps to stabilize and strengthen Iraq's security," the statement quoted the Al-Errajeh office as saying, "There is no increase in the number of foreign troops in Iraq."

The Iraqi National Security Adviser referred to his country's need for "training, advice and upgrading of its combat forces, and no foreign combat force."

For his part, the NATO Chief of Staff has confirmed,

Admiral Roll, states that "the NATO mission in Iraq is non-combat, and helps and contributes to raising the combat capabilities and skills of Iraqi forces, through proper training and counselling."

It will be recalled that yesterday Tuesday, the head of the Iraqi Government, Mustafa Kazemi, discussed with a United States delegation, led by Brett McGurk, the White House Coordinator for Middle East and North Africa Affairs, ways to strengthen joint cooperation relations and the withdrawal of "American fighting forces" from Iraq.