TOKYO, April 10--Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said Tuesday his government is working to improve security to make it possible for US and other occupation troops to leave Iraq.

On a four-day trip to Japan, al-Maliki told reporters that "to demand the departure of the troops is a democratic right and a right we respect".

The Iraqi premier said there is no need for a withdrawal timetable, adding "what governs the departure at the end of the day is how confident we are in the handover process''.

Maliki stated that "we are working as fast as we can" to pave the way for the withdrawal of occupation troops from Iraq.

The US Democratic Party has pushed for a withdrawal date since seizing control of Congress from Bush's Republicans on the back of voter anger over the Iraq war.

The House of Representatives and Senate have passed bills with different pullout deadlines -- August 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008, respectively -- but Bush has vowed to veto any date.

Maliki insisted the troops would leave eventually.

"The departure of the multinational forces is definite. There are no arguments on this issue," Maliki said.

"The international resolution authorized the Iraqi government to ask for the departure of the multinational forces when it feels that it can provide enough security for the country."

Al-Maliki said Iraq is "progressing on the security issue continuously".

He was referring to UN Security Council Resolution 1723, which was passed in November.

Maliki also blamed the media for only focusing on the daily violence in Iraq.

"Maybe it is natural that the ugliness of blood will overshadow the elements of progress. But I can give you many examples of progress," Maliki said.

"We have a permanent constitution after living for decades with temporary constitutions and the entire country being subjected to the whims of a ruler.

"On the economic side, the monthly income of the average Iraqi has risen from two dollars to $200 per month", he said.

Maliki is wrapping up his first visit to Japan Thursday with further assurances of Tokyo's support for Iraqi reconstruction.

During the visit, Japan pledged to extend 102.8 billion yen ($862 million) in low-interest loans for construction projects, including a new oil export facility.

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