Iraq's interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi said on Tuesday that no final date was set for the withdrawal of the US-led multinational forces.

"I will not set final dates for the withdrawal of the multinational forces, because setting final dates will be futile and dangerous," Allawi told reporters.

"Some talked about the immediate withdrawal or setting a timetable for the withdrawal of the multinational forces, but that will not serve the interests of the Iraqi people," he said.

He promised to build a strong Iraqi security force that will be able to protect the people, saying the Iraqis would be capable of taking control of Baghdad and other major cities when "a well-trained force comes into being."

"The security situation in large parts of Iraq is good and many of our security forces are taking more responsibilities and they are getting ready to take responsibility from the multinational forces soon," he said.

As for the upcoming Iraqi elections, Allawi said Sunday's elections would be the first step toward building Iraq capable of functioning without the presence of the foreign troops.

"The final step will come when the Iraqi security forces become effective and able to destroy terrorist bases in the country," he said.

"After we have achieved the final step, the presence of the multinational forces can be decreased and our forces can assume the security responsibility," he said.

There is speculation that a new Iraqi government to be chosen after Sunday's parliamentary elections will ask the US-led forces to work out a timetable on withdrawal from the country.

Source: Xinhua