Iraqi Prime Minister NuAri al- Maliki announced December 31st the National Day of Iraq, after U.S. troops fully withdrew from the country a few days ago. Speaking at a ceremony in Eastern Baghdad to mark the US’s troop withdrawal from Iraq, Mr. Maliki stressed that this is the day of all Iraqis and the day that the flag of Iraq is rising free and independent. Maliki confirmed that Iraq has become free and Iraqi people have no choice but to safeguard their country from terrorism. Maliki also said that his government is working hard to boost readiness of Iraqi security force to face upcoming challenges. The ceremony came as part of a series of celebrations across the country that mark the withdrawal of last of U.S. soldiers from Iraq.