U.S.mission continues in Iraq for "protracted period"

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, seen here in August 2007, says Sunday U.S. troops would probably stay in Iraq for a "protracted period" despite gradual withdrawal.(Xinhua Photo)

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates says he expects US troops to remain in Iraq for an extended time, but with a more limited focus. He made the comment on ABC's This Week Program.

Robert Gates said, "The idea is that we would have a much more limited role in Iraq for some protracted period of time, as a stabilizing force, a force that would be a fraction of the size of the force that we have there now, and one that would carry out limited missions: border security, going after the terrorists, training and equipping the Iraqi forces.But it would be a relatively small force. Well, I don't know what the numbers would be. First of all, it will have to be negotiated with the Iraqis, to see what they're prepared to accept. But I think certainly a small fraction of what we have there now."

Gates also said the Bush administration is committed, for now, to using diplomatic and economic means to counter a potential nuclear threat from Iran. The US contends Iran's nuclear power programme is a cover for developing weapons. Tehran insists it wants to master the technology to meet future power needs.