Iraq plans to ask the United Nations Security Council to extend the mandate governing the presence of U.S.-led forces in Iraq for another year, Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari said on Monday.
"We believe still there is a need and the presence of the multinational force is indispensable for the security and stability of Iraq and of the region at the moment," Zebari said.
"At the same time, the Iraqi government is ... willing to take more security responsibilities from these forces to do its part."
Security Council Resolution 1637, which legitimises the U.S.-led military presence in Iraq, expires on December 31 and Zebari said Iraq would seek a one-year extension.
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