NEW In the magazine interview , Al-Maliki said his remarks did not indicate that he was endorsing Obama over presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain . ` : Der Spiegel says Nuri al-Maliki backs plan to withdraw troops within 16 months . The Iraqi leader has said he will not negotiate with the Kurds until they have a say in how their region is governed. Al-Maliki 's spokesman says his remarks were `` misunderstood '' Comments follow White House announcement of `` time horizon '' for withdrawal .
NEW : Der Spiegel says Nuri al-Maliki backs plan to withdraw troops within 16 months . The Iraqi leader has said he will not negotiate with the Kurds until they have a say in how their region is governed. Al-Maliki 's spokesman says his remarks were `` misunderstood '' Comments follow White House announcement of `` time horizon '' for withdrawal .