Iraq Cabinet Seeks Changes To US Security Pact

BAGHDAD, IRAQ - OCTOBER 18: Shiite demonstrators take part in a protest against a proposed U.S.-Iraqi security pact October 18, 2008 in Baghdad, Iraq. Supporters of radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr protested against the agreement which would replace the existing U.N. mandate authorizing the U.S.-led forces in Iraq. The new agreement would require American forces to leave by December 31, 2011 unless the Iraqi government asked them to stay. (Photo by Wathiq Khuzaie/Getty Images)

Iraq's Cabinet Demands Changes To U.S. Pact -- MSNBC

Last-minute plea aims to secure public support for draft security deal

BAGHDAD - Iraq's Cabinet decided Tuesday to ask the Americans for unspecified changes in the draft security pact that would allow U.S. troops to remain here another three years, despite warnings that it would be hard to reopen negotiations on the agreement.

Parliament must approve the draft before the current U.N. mandate expires at the end of this year. Otherwise, there would be no legal basis for the U.S.-led military mission.

The decision to ask for changes was taken in a 5-1/2 hour meeting during which Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his ministers reviewed details of the draft agreement, government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told The Associated Press.

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More News On The Iraq-U.S. Security Pact

U.S. official issues a blunt warning on security pact -- International Herald Tribune
Iraq's Cabinet to Seek Changes in Draft US Security Deal -- Voice Of America
Iraq cabinet wants changes in pact despite US warning -- AFP
Iraqis call for amendments to U.S. security pact -- CNN
Iraqi MPs demand changes to US troop withdrawal agreement -- Times Online
Iraq seeks changes to U.S. troops pact -- Reuters