Panetta and Clinton speak in Europe

MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. officials in Europe said despite the withdrawal of up to 7,000 troops from the continent, the United States is not abandoning its European partners.

In Munich, Germany, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said two American combat brigades would be withdrawn -- some 6,000 to 7,000 troops -- but U.S. forces will still be available to respond to needs in Europe, The New York Times reported.

Panetta also said American troops would more frequently travel to Europe for more joint military exercises.

"Although it will evolve in light of the strategic guidance and resulting budget decisions, our military footprint in Europe will remain larger than in any other region of the world," Panetta said.

European officials expressed only mild concern over the American troop withdrawals.

"If some American troops leave Europe, it won't create any political problem between us," a French official said. "We don't need a massive presence of American troops."

Also Saturday in Munich, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton denounced President Bashar al-Assad of Syria and said she hoped the U.N. Security Council would pass a resolution on violence in the country.