BAGHDAD - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced Saturday Dec 31 the National Day of Iraq, after US troops fully withdrew from the country a few days ago.

"I announce the day of December 31, which is the day of fulfillment of the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Iraq, as the National Day of Iraq. It is the day of Iraq," Maliki said at a ceremony that marks the fully withdrawal of US troops from the country more than eight years after the US-led invasion that ousted the former leader Saddam Hussein.

"Today is the day of all Iraqis. It is the dawn of a new day in Mesopotamia. It is the day that the flag of Iraq is rising free and independent," Maliki told Iraqis in his speech at the al-Shaab stadium complex in eastern Baghdad.

Maliki confirmed that Iraq has become free and Iraqi people have no choice but to safeguard their country from terrorism, warning that his government will fiercely hit those who carry out or support terrorist acts against Iraqi people.

"There is no place for those who keep one foot in the political process and the other in the terrorist organizations," Maliki said, adding that "the battle with terrorism has not ended yet, but we are resolved to overcome."

Maliki also said that his government is working hard to boost readiness of Iraqi security force to face upcoming challenges.

The ceremony came as part of a series of celebrations across the country that mark the withdrawal of last of US soldiers from Iraq.

According to Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), the security pact signed in 2008 between the United States and Iraq, all American troops were scheduled to leave Iraq by the end of 2011.