BEIJIN, April 11 -- Iraq's new president Jalal Talabani has restated his support for a continued US and Australian military presence in Iraq, one day after large demonstrations demanding US troops leave the country.

    Talabani said he opposed setting a timetable for the US military's exit from the country.

    Talabani also predicted Iraq would be able to reconstitute its armed forces within two years.

    However, he suggested that even after that, the country will maintain a close security relationship with the United States.

    On Saturday, tens of thousands of people marched through Baghdad to oppose the US occupation. It's believed to be the largest demonstration since US troops entered the country.

    The protesters also demanded the establishment of a government based on Islamic law when the new government begins rewriting the country's constitution.

(Source: CRIENGLISH.com)