the conditions are set for iraq to continue to move forward, and potentially reach a secure, sovereign iraq by the end of 2011. the statement of time is out of context because there are two issues, one about internal security and external capabilities to defend its neighbor against any foreign influence in iraq. i am very confident the iraqis are on their way to being to -- to being able to defend themselves by 2011. what might take longer is the development of their navy and air force. that does not mean we have to help them, there are other nations that could help them, but that will be a decision made further on down the road depended on how far they get. my comments were taken out of context because when i said a later date they were based on these specific capabilities. >> as u.s. troops consolidate on bases, but do you worry that their movements become more predictable? they become easier to target with things like ied's? had you guard against that? -- how do you guard against that? >> we have many outposts around the city that we established as we conducted the search. we have not al

just another sign that i have a lot of hope that iraq will be able to move forward as a secure, sovereign iraq. it could be a long-term partner with the u.s. in the middle east who has a democratic government. today gives me more hope towards that, as i see them take on more responsibility, but more importantly, want to take on that responsibility. the iraqi people want their forces to take that on. they want to see us move in the background. they are not ready for us to go yet, but they are ready for us to allow them to attempt to exercise their security responsibilities. to me, that is very encouraging. frankly, the last six months have gone better than i expected. i thought the first six months of implementing the security agreement would be a very difficult thing, but it has not. we have worked together to continue to move forward under the terms of the security agreement. that is what gives me hope and belief that we can do this now beyond now that we have moved out of the city. but there were still be bonds in the road. there will still be violence here. -- there will still be bumps in t

our ability to get our own combat troops on, and to give the sovereign nation of iraq war control and more responsibility. we continue to -- let me say this. the administration believes that despite whatever happens today, the situation bears constant monitoring because there may be rough patches ahead. we understand that. the important elections over the course of this year -- and important steps that need to be taken on the path to political reconciliation -- the promise of today to be met by all iraqis. >> walked to the differences between the administration goes a decision to take a position on paris -- on honduras? dawson that is the statement of the week. i suggest you have your plan come in a little lower and to take a look at maybe 10,000 feet. >> part of the reason -- part of the reason was because we wanted to address rumors that were involved. what was important was, as in the international community into the oas done, despite whatever political disagreements you might have, there are democratic norms that it should be followed. >> are there any plans to recall the ambassad

one, our ability to get our own combat troops home, but also to give the sovereign nation of iraq more control and ultimately more responsibility. we continue to -- let me say this, the administration believes that despite whatever happens today in that step forward that this situation can, bears constant monitoring. because there are, there may be rough patches ahead. we understand that. there are important elections that will happen over the course of this year and important steps that have to be taken on the path toward political reconciliation in order for the promise of today to be met by all iraqis. >> walk through the differences between the administration's decision to sort of to take a position on what's going on in honduras and the more hands-off approach with iran? i know they're two different countries -- >> i think that's probably the understatement of the week. [laughter] >> [inaudible] >> well, i would suggest you have your plane come in a little lower and look at maybe 10,000 feet. i think part of the reason that you saw the administration come out is to address any rum

, self reliable state. -- i atarax the journey to become a stable, sovereign, self reliable state. -- in iraq's journey. the ambassador provided updates on the political, security, and economic situation in iraq, and we describe -- discussed in number of challenges that we are facing. as you remember, this withdrawal is occurring under the so-called so far agreement, the status and forces agreement -- so-called sofa agreement. there is another document that we will now be turning our attention to with even greater concern. that is the strategic framework agreement. which sets forth the way forward for the relationship between the united states and iraq. so there is a lot going on, and i wanted to come down and talk about some of what we are doing, and i would be happy to take some of your questions. >> do you believe -- you used the words detention and expulsion -- do you believe that a military coup d'etat has taken place in honduras, or are you studying a legal determination that a coup d'etat has taken place, and i would therefore trigger the appropriations aid cut off that is required under

significant milestone in the responsible withdrawal of our forces from iraq, and in iraq's journey to become a stable, sovereign, self-reliant state. this morning held a secure video conference with ambassador hill and some of his senior team in baghdad. the ambassador provided updates on the situation in iraq and we discussed a number of the challenges and opportunities that we are facing. as you remember, this withdrawal is occurring under the so-called sofa agreement, the status of forces agreement. it is occurring in concert with the iraqis. there is another document that we will now be turning our attention to with even greater concern. that is the strategic framework agreement, which sets forth the way forward for the relationship between the united states and iraq. there is a lot going on. i wanted to come down and talk about some of what we are doing, and i would be happy to take your questions. >> do you believe -- you use the words detention and expulsion. do you believe a mihm tear dupe de coupe dettat has occurred? >> we think this has evolved into a coupe. the president as you know has been expelle

the arab audience, that you are looking forward for the day when america leaves iraq as a one country united and sovereign? i mean, united. not like what vice president biden in the past has looked for, a division of iraq and into three parts? >> we are very interested in having a long-term and successful relationship with iraq. and as our president laid out in the speech, we're interested in a long term and positive relationship with the entire region. with respect to our relationship with iraq, we understand those of us who work on the issue understand that to have a long-term and successful relationship with iraq, we have to be very respectful of iraqi sovereignty. and so that is one of the real foundation points of that relationship. it's reflected in the security agreement, it's reflected in the strategic framework agreement which governs the nonsecurity areas. so we are very respectful of iraqi sovereignty. we're very respectful of iraqi territoryal integrity and respectful of iraqi une at this time. and that's been our policy and that will continue to be our policy. we will work very hard with iraq