Iraq needs foreign troops for 1-2 years-president

CAMBRIDGE, England, May 11 (Reuters) Iraq will need US and British troops to help with security for another one to two years, President Jalal Talabani said today.

''I think in one or two years we will be able to recruit our own army forces and say goodbye to our friends,'' Talabani told students at Cambridge University in England.

Speaking to reporters after his speech, Talabani called on the United States Congress to reconsider votes to set a date for withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.

''We are concerned. We hope that Congress will review this decision and help the American army to stay until the Iraqi army will be ready, to train them and to protect the state of Iraq.'' REUTERS AK MIR KP2116