The Republican-controlled Senate defeated on Tuesday a Democratic proposal to call for President George W. Bush to draw a timetable for a phased withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.

The vote result was 58-40 as the Republicans enjoy a clear majority in the Senate.

"They want an exit strategy, a cut and run exit strategy. What we are for is a successful strategy," said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.

In response, the Republicans put forward their own initiative, urging that Iraqi forces should take the lead in defending their nation and there should be "a period of significant transition to full Iraqi sovereignty" in 2006.

The Republican proposal would also require the Bush administration to provide new quarterly reports to Congress on subjects like progress in Iraq.

The move came as the approval rating of President Bush had fallen to the lowest record in his presidency.

Source: Xinhua