US Vice President celebrates Independence Day with Saddam jibe

US Vice President Joe Biden yesterday celebrated Independence Day with American troops, including his soldier son Beau, at their base near Baghdad, giving a speech that mocked Saddam Hussein.

Biden addressed soldiers at Camp Victory shortly after saying the US role in Iraq was switching from deep military engagement to one of diplomatic support, ahead of a complete withdrawal in 2011.

He earlier told newly sworn-in American citizens, mainly soldiers, that the US had honoured its June 30 obligation to withdraw troops from Iraq's towns and cities and the focus was now on strengthening political ties.

But his tone was far from diplomatic when he shared lunch with the 261st Theatre Tactical Signal Brigade from Delaware, to which his son belongs, at the massive US base on the outskirts of the capital.

"We did it in Saddam's palace and I can think of nothing better," Biden said, referring to the naturalisation ceremony at Al-Faw Palace near Baghdad airport.

"That SOB is rolling over in his grave right now," he said of executed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Biden joined hundreds of US troops dining at a July 4 feast in a canteen decked out in red, white and blue streamers and tablecloths.

The citizenship ceremony saw 237 men and women, mainly Mexicans and Filipinos who joined the army while resident in the United States, as well as several Iraqi military translators, take the oath of allegiance.

Biden's visit to Iraq comes just after President Barack Obama charged him with overseeing the US departure in 2011.