Anti-American demonstrators protest over US-Iraq security pact

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Source: CCTV.com | 10-29-2008 13:26

Tensions are rising in Iraq as the deadline approaches to finalize a US-Iraq security pact.

Students chant anti-U.S. slogans as they wave Iraqi national flags during a protest at the University  of Mustansiriya in Baghdad October 28, 2008. REUTERS/Thaier al-Sudani

The deal was reached earlier this month after several painstaking negotiations with Washington. It would pave the way for American troops to stay in Iraq for three more years.

The pact is due to take effect from December 31st. But it's facing fierce opposition, especially among some Shiite factions. Thousands of anti-American demonstrators took to the streets last week in protest.

The pact was negotiated by a team of advisers hand-picked by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

It gives Iraq important concessions such as a firm 2011 withdrawal date and the power to try US troops in its courts for crimes committed while off duty.

Washington has indicated it would listen to proposals for minor adjustments to the plan in wording but does not want to renegotiate the main terms.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei