UN urges Iraqis to lead country after US troop withdrawal

Iraqi leaders should demonstrate they are "fully capable" to steer their country to a better future after the departure of US troops, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday. Ban called for Iraqi political leaders to engage in inclusive and constructive dialogue to resolve their differences. "Iraqi leaders owe it to the people of Iraq who elected them to work together in spirit of partnership and national unity to address the pressing challenges facing the country," he said. The UN remains ready to assist the people and government of Iraq in building a peaceful, democratic and prosperous country, Ban said. The United States this week completed the withdrawal of its military forces, which were sent in 2003 to topple the regime of Saddam Hussein.