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US President George W Bush says under the advice of the commander of American troops in Iraq General David Petraeus, 5,700 US troops will be brought home by Christmas.

The reduction in troop numbers begins this month, with 2,200 marines scheduled to leave Iraq not being replaced.

President Bush also says that by July next year, the 20 combat brigades currently in Iraq will be reduced to 15.

This would bring the number of US troops in Iraq back to a similar size as before the troop surge began.

Mr Bush says local reconciliation is taking place and Iraqi forces are becoming more capable.

He adds that General Petraeus recommends that by December, the mission in Iraq should progress to its next phase as Iraqis assume more control over their own security.

The US President says that over time the mission of US forces will shift from leading Iraqi forces to co-operating with and training them.

Mr Bush also says he's made it clear that the Iraqi Government must meet the benchmarks laid out for it and that progress is being made on that front.

He says a free Iraq will deny al-Qaeda a safe haven, counter the destructive ambitions of Iran, marginalise extremists and set an example for people across the Middle East.


http://www2.skynews.com.au/news/article.aspx?id=189545