Iraqi ruling Shiite alliance wants amendments in U.S. security deal

Source: Xinhua | 10-20-2008 13:36

BAGHDAD, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The ruling Shiite alliance in Iraq said on Sunday that it demanded changes to some points in the draft of the U.S. security pact.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, whose Dawa Party is part of the Shiite alliance, reviewed with top leaders of the alliance the current draft and said changes are still needed in order to guarantee Iraq's sovereignty and the interests of its people, the Unified Iraqi Alliance (UIA) said in a statement.

"Although there are positive points in this agreement, there are others needs more time for discussion and dialogue and modifications for some articles," the statement said.

The United States and Iraq are holding intensified negotiations for months in a bid to uphold an agreement that allows U.S. troops to remain in Iraq after the UN mandate expires by the end of the year.

Editor:Du Xiaodan