Iraq's Vice-President dismisses the idea that Iraq has become a stage for the ongoing confrontation between the United States and Iran.

After talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo, Adel- Abdel Mahdi said that although the security crisis in Iraq has not ended and there is still big problems, some armed groups, which were previously fighting the government, are now fighting on its side, which is a significant strategic development.

The Iraqi official also dismissed the idea of Iraq's being a stage for US-Iran confrontation as 'mere exaggeration'.

Abdel-Mahdi also stated that American-led multinational troops might be asked to leave the country by end of 2008 as the Iraqi army has improved its military capabilities.

AB/RE