President Barack Obama promised the Congress that he would "revisit" his plan to withdraw US combat forces from Iraq by August 2010 if violence there worsens, a US lawmaker said.
"He assured me that he will revisit his plan if the situation on the ground deteriorates and violence increases," Representative John McHugh, the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, said in a statement.
Obama's pledge came during talks at the White House that also included Vice President Joe Biden, Defence Secretary Robert Gates, and Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, said McHugh.
Obama was expected to unveil the plan near midday on Friday.
"Iraq faces significant challenges in 2009, including the national parliamentary election in December. Our commanders must have the flexibility they need in order to respond to these challenges, and President Obama assured me that there is a Plan B," said McHugh.
The lawmaker also indicated broad support for what the statement from his office described as "the president's plan to withdraw US combat troops from Iraq by August 2010."
"The president's objective to withdraw US combat troops from Iraq is one that we should pray for, plan for, and work toward. However, I remain concerned that the security situation in Iraq is fragile, and we should work to mitigate any risks to our troops and their mission," said McHugh.
"I specifically raised these points with the president this evening," the New York Republican said.
AFP