Mr al-Maliki says the Iraqi Government wants the timetable included in a deal the two countries are currently negotiation on the future role of the US military in Iraq after its UN mandate expires at the end of this year.

The comments mark the first time he has explicitly and publicly called for a withdrawal timetable, which is opposed by US President George W Bush.

The US was reported to have been seeking permission to keep dozens of bases in Iraq for the foreseeable future and to have all US soldiers and contractors granted immunity from Iraqi laws.

It was also said to be pushing for the right to conduct military operations anywhere in the country without the permission of the Iraqi authorities.