Oct. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Iraq criticized a top U.S. commander for saying the Middle Eastern country risks ``significant'' military losses if it doesn't approve a security accord with the Bush administration.

Admiral Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said yesterday that Iraqi forces won't be ready to safeguard the country when the United Nations mandate that provides for the U.S. presence expires on Dec. 31, Agence France- Presse reported. Mullen warned that time is running out for an agreement that would enable American troops to stay for three more years.

``The Iraqi government is deeply concerned by the statement of Admiral Michael Mullen,'' government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said today in comments e-mailed from Baghdad. Mullen's remarks were ``not welcomed'' by Iraq, he added.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also this week heaped pressure on Iraqi politicians, urging them to get behind the draft agreement, which calls for U.S. forces to withdraw from Iraqi cities by June 30 and from the entire country by the end of 2011, unless asked to stay longer.

The document was unveiled on Oct. 17 after eight months of talks between U.S. and Iraqi negotiators. The Iraqi government said yesterday it plans to propose changes to the text, without providing details, and Gates said U.S. officials would be reluctant to negotiate changes.

``All Iraqis and their political entities are aware of their responsibilities and are assessing whether to sign the deal or not in a way that it is suitable to them,'' al-Dabbagh said. ``It is not correct to force Iraqis into making a choice and it is not appropriate to talk with the Iraqis in this way.''

To contact the reporter on this story: Caroline Alexander in London at calexander1@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: October 22, 2008 09:39 EDT