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Top US general stresses importance of Iraq vote

BAGHDAD - The leading American general who oversees the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan says the upcoming Iraq election in March is of "enormous importance" to the country's future, but warned of violence leading up to it.

Gen. David Petraeus's comments came during a visit to Iraq Friday.
Petraeus, who used to be the top American commander in Iraq, said recent bombings against Iraqi government targets have tried to undermine Iraqis sense of confidence in their government.
Iraq is preparing to hold nationwide elections on March 7, which will determine who will lead the country as American forces go home.
U.S. forces, now at about 110,000, will drop to 50,000 or less by the end of the year, before leaving entirely by 2011.

• MENA