The United States said on Sunday that it would continue its cooperation with Spain in the war against terrorism despite Madrid's decision to withdraw its troops from Iraq as soon as possible.

"We will continue our close cooperation with our NATO ally Spain in fighting the war against terror," White House spokesman Ken Lisaius said.

"We will work with our coalition partners in Iraq and the Spanish government and expect they will implement their decision in a coordinated, responsible and orderly manner," Lisaius said.

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero announced earlier on Sunday that Spain would withdraw its troops from Iraq as soon as possible.

Zapatero said he acted after deciding the United Nations was unprepared to take over the occupation of Iraq.

During his campaign, Zapatero has pledged to bring home the 1,300 Spanish troops by June 30 unless the United Nations takes charge in Iraq.

US national security adviser Condoleezza Rice said Sunday that the United States would not be surprised if Spain withdraws its troops from Iraq.

"We know that the Spanish have been talking about, perhaps, pulling their forces out. I would not be at all surprised if they do," she said on ABC's "This Week" program.

Source: Xinhua