U.S. President George W. Bush on Thursday remain reluctant to offer a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq following the formation of Iraq's new government.

Speaking to reporters after talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair at the White House, Bush said: "It's important for the American people to know that politics isn't going to make the decision as to the size of our force level."

"We will keep the force level there necessary to win," Bush said.

Blair, who visited Iraq early this week, told the press conference that the international community should offer great support for Iraq's new government, and help them defeat terrorism.

Commenting on Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's remarks that it is possible for Iraqi forces to be ready to take over security duties by the end of 2007, Blair said "I think it's possible for the Iraqi security forces to take control, progressively, in the country."

Source: Xinhua