国际英语新闻：Obama to declare Iraqi combat mission over

Obama said the United States has "met our responsibility. Now, it is time to turn the page."

"Ending this war is not only in Iraq's interest -- it is in our own," Obama said. "Our most urgent task is to restore our economy, and put the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs back to work."

In the speech, Obama says it is important to strengthen the middle class, give all children the education they deserve, and workers the skills they need, as well as jumpstart industries that create jobs, and end dependence on foreign oil.

"This will be difficult. But in the days to come, it must be our central mission as a people, and my central responsibility as president."

Obama will speak about 15 minutes starting 8 p.m. EDT (midnight GMT), according to the White House. He visited troops in Fort Bliss, Texas, earlier in the day, thanking servicemembers who have fought the seven-year war, taking over 4,400 casualties.