Iraq: US troops to stay 3 more years

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-17-2008 09:01

Iraq's Cabinet has unanimously approved a draft security pact allowing US troops to stay in the country for three more years.

The deal is scheduled to be submitted to parliament for approval later on Sunday.

Ali-Davvagh, Iraqi Government Spokesman, said, "I am optimistic that this agreement is going to pass  through the council of representatives, as it is a  national and important issue which is the best choice available for Iraq." (CCTV.com)

The details of the draft agreement was reached after months of arduous negotiations between Iraq and the US.

The deal is designed to take Iraqi concerns over its sovereignty and security into consideration, as the country continues to cope with a diminished but persistent insurgency.

According to the draft pact, US forces should leave the streets of Iraq's towns and villages by the middle of next year and leave the country by 2011.

Meanwhile, Iraq has the right to try US soldiers and defense contractors in the case of serious crimes committed off-duty and off-base.

It also prohibits the US from using Iraqi territory to attack its neighbors, such as Syria and Iran.

Proponents of the security pact include Iraq's interior and defense ministers. They believe a continued US military presence is necessary before Iraq's government can handle security matters on its own.

Ali-Davvagh, Iraqi Government Spokesman, said, "I am optimistic that this agreement is going to pass through the council of representatives, as it is a national and important issue which is the best choice available for Iraq."

Iraqis in the capital Baghdad had mixed reactions towards the pact.

Rasheed Al-Jumaili, Baghdad Resident, said, "We don't want an agreement with America. They should work towards reinforcing the brave Iraqi army."

Mun'am Al-Abadi, Baghdad Resident, said, "I fully back our government's standpoint on the security pact. The Iraqi government knows its people well."

But Cabinet's approval is just one step in the process before the pact can take effect.

Next, it must get a simple majority in Iraq's 275-member parliament, and it then has to be ratified by President Jalal Talabani and two vice presidents.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei