LONDON, Oct. 7 (Xinhuanet) -- Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said British troops will not be able to leave the country for at least two more years, Sky News reported on Friday.

    Talabani's remarks came as British forces arrested 12 people in southern Iraq for suspected links to attacks against allied troops.

    Despite the current violent situation and on-going US operations against the militants, Talabani said he believed the country's constitution would be approved and that Iraq would not descend into a civil war.

    "Within two years I think our forces will be ready to replace the coalition forces in Iraq," said Talabani who used to be a Kurdish fighter against Saddam.

    But he added that the decision depends on a resolution from the United Nations Security Council and negotiations between the Iraqi government and the coalition forces. Enditem