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The World

November 18, 2009

US military: Iraqi troop drawdown on track

BAGHDAD (AP) The top U.S. commander in Iraq says the timetable for an American troop withdrawal is still on track despite a dispute over a key election law that could delay national elections slated for January.

Iraq's Sunni Arab vice president vetoed part of the new election law on Wednesday and a member of the electoral commission said all of activities to prepare for the vote have been suspended.

Another complication came Tuesday when Kurdish leaders threatened to boycott the vote unless the three northern provinces they control are given more seats in the next parliament.

Gen. Raymond Odierno said Wednesday that if there is a need to change the U.S. troop withdrawal schedule, he has enough flexibility to put off that decision until late spring.

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