US Defence Secretary Robert Gates says the United States will definitely start reducing the number of its soldiers in Afghanistan next July.
He made the remarks a day after the new commander of international forces in Afghanistan, General David Petraeus, said he might advise President Barack Obama to delay the withdrawal.
In an interview with an American magazine, Mr Gates insisted the plan to begin reducing troop numbers in Afghanistan next July is not in doubt.
Mr Gates has also confirmed his own intention to leave office next year.
