[01/September/2010]

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, Sept. 1 (Saba) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said Wednesday the United States should find political solutions for Iraq to ensure that the latter emerges as a safe and peaceful country, according to Xinhua.

Speaking to reporters at Malaysia's federal administration here on Wednesday, Najib said that Iraq needs a stable government, or else other powers might grab the opportunity to create clashes that are difficult to handle.

U.S. President Barack Obama announced the end of combat missions of the U.S. troops recently, saying that it was time to turn the page.

Obama said that the Iraqi people now have responsibility for security of their country.

According to the agreements between the U.S. and Iraq, the U.S. troops are due to end the combat mission in Iraq on Aug. 31, and will gradually advise and assist Iraqi security forces.

Stressing that the Malaysian government has been objecting to the decision to invade Iraq, Najib said Obama had made a right decision to cease military actions in Iraq.

The U.S. has spent over 7,000 billion U.S. dollars in the war, with more than 4,400 troops killed and over 30,000 others wounded.

Overall costs of the war could amount to 3 trillion dollars if medical expenses for injured veterans are taken into account.

Saba