Below is a portion of the Department of Defense news briefing, which took place from the Pentagon; the briefing involved General Ray Odierno which was beamed via satellite from Iraq:

BRYAN WHITMAN (deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Public Affairs):  General, this is Bryan Whitman at the Pentagon.  Can you hear me okay? 

 

                GEN. ODIERNO:  I can, Bryan.  How are you today? 

 

                MR. WHITMAN:  Good afternoon.  And good morning to the press corps here in Washington.  We are privileged to have General Odierno, the commanding general, Multinational Forces-Iraq, joining us this morning.  As you will recall, he took command of MNF-I in September of last year, following his command as the Multinational Corps commander in Iraq; and a frequent participant in this format.  This is — this marks a dozen for him.  This is his twelfth appearance in this format. 

 

                And certainly appreciate and are grateful for you giving us some time today on this important occasion — a historic day in Iraq, a  real milestone in Iraqi progress – and to give us a brief overview; and then, to take your questions.  General Odierno, welcome. 

 

                GEN. ODIERNO:  Thank you, Bryan.  And good morning, everybody.  I just want to make a very quick statement here.  Then I’ll get on to your questions. 

 

                As Bryan just said, today is a very important day for MNF-I, as we continue to move towards our objective of a sovereign, secure, stable and self-reliant Iraq.  30 June, 2009, also marks a significant milestone for Iraq, as the Iraqi security forces assume responsibility for security within the cities across the country.  It is a day when Iraqis celebrate as they continue to move towards exercising their full sovereignty. 

 

                In accordance with the security agreement between the United States and Iraq, U.S. combat forces have completed the withdrawal out of Iraqi cities.  A small number of U.S. forces will remain in cities to train, advise, coordinate with Iraqi security forces, as well as enable them to move forward.  We will also support civil capacity efforts led by the U.S. Embassy, Baghdad; the government of Iraq; and the United Nations Assistance Mission here in Iraq.  

 

                Outside the cities, U.S. forces will continue to conduct full- spectrum and stability operations by, with and through our Iraqi security force partners. 

 

                Our combined efforts will establish a layer of defense as Iraqis secure the cities.  Our combat forces, partnering with the Iraqi security forces, will secure the belts and borders in an attempt to eliminate safe havens and sanctuaries and to limit freedom of movement of insurgents and prevent the facilitation of foreign fighters through the borders. 

 

                The U.S. is committed to full, transparent and continued implementation of the security agreement in a spirit of partnership with the sovereign nation of Iraq.  The Iraqi people should be very proud of the dedication, progress and sacrifice of the Iraqi security forces and the government of Iraq.  Their accomplishments in preparing for this day are commendable. 

 

                The American people can also be very proud as well of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as our civilians, who have worked so hard over the past years, and tirelessly, and sacrificed so much in helping the people of Iraq progress towards a peaceful and democratic society. 

 

                So with that, I’d be happy to take your questions.

 

To view the rest of the briefing, click here.