American soldiers to leave Iraq by 2012

The prime minister of Iraq, Nuri al-Maliki, stated that by the end of 2011 there would be no American soldiers on the territory of the country. The head of the government was appointed last week. He said that the US army would leave Iraq according to an agreement signed beforehand. He also stated that this agreement couldn't be changed.

The Prime Minister said that his country is ready to face any threat to its independence with its own powers. He added that an alliance with Iran is unacceptable to the country, PRIME-TASS reports.