World | Iraq Iraqis Celebrate 'Sovereignty Day' as US Pulls Back Maliki declares June 30 'National Sovereignty Day' By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Jun 29, 2009 4:31 PM CDT Copied Iraqis celebrate in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, June 29, 2009. (AP Photo/ Khalid Mohammed) Iraqi forces have assumed formal control of security in Baghdad and other cities after US combat troops withdrew from urban areas. A countdown clock broadcast on Iraqi TV ticked to zero as the midnight deadline passed for combat troops to pull back. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has declared a public holiday and proclaimed June 30 as "National Sovereignty Day." "The withdrawal of American troops is completed now from all cities after everything they sacrificed for the sake of security," Sadiq Al-Rikabi, a senior adviser to Maliki said. "We are now celebrating the restoration of sovereignty." The move is required under a US-Iraqi security pact. Read These Next Ex-political candidate mired in sex tape scandal now has legal woes. FBI parts ways with the ADL over Turning Point USA controversy. A megachurch pastor is going to jail for abusing a girl decades ago. Judge gives Combs prison. Report an error