US not seeking permanent Iraq bases: White House

[sabra]

Source: AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The White House denied Thursday that the United States seeks permanent military bases in Iraq, days after the US "war czar" said that would be part of talks next year on long-term security ties.

"We do not seek permanent bases in Iraq," spokeswoman Dana Perino told reporters after Lieutenant General Douglas Lute said Monday that the flashpoint issue would be part of negotiations to decide the future of US troops in Iraq.

Asked about such installations, Lute told reporters: "That's another dimension of continuing US support to the government of Iraq, and will certainly be a key item for negotiation next year."

Read more: http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jx63KRa2kDc7BFCva3_ljW8BBdgw