France supports prospects of foreign troops' withdrawal from Iraq: offcial

France would like to see the prospect of foreign troops' withdrawal from Iraq, Foreign Ministry spokesman Jean-Baptiste Mattei said on Wednesday.

"France does not call for an immediate withdrawal of foreign forces stationed in Iraq, which is currently authorized in the mandate of the United Nations," Mattei told a press conference.

"However, a prospect of withdrawal, which is concerted and well scheduled, would be seen by the Iraqi people as a clear message that the international community is aimed at reestablishing the sovereignty of Iraq," said Mattei.

Army Gen. George Casey, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, said on Tuesday that American forces would have to continue to support the Iraqi security and police forces for at least the next 18 months, and he did not rule out needing more U.S. troops to secure peace there, during this interim period.

Source: Xinhua