Iraqi cabinet approves US deal

Presstv
Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:39:33 GMT

The Iraqi cabinet has endorsed a security agreement to be signed with the US amid speculations that the parliament will reject the deal.

The cabinet approved the long term security agreement with 27 ministers voting for it, one minister abstaining, and the remaining 10 skipping the meeting.

Lawmaker Ahmed al-Masoudi, a spokesman for the Sadr parliamentary bloc, however, said the government's endorsement of the pact "does not mean anything" as long as the deal requires the approval of a parliament which would reject it, the Voices of Iraq news agency reported on Sunday.

The agreement, which has been opposed by a majority of parliamentarians, would allow US troops to stay in Iraq for three more years after their UN mandate expires in December 2008.

Under the deal Iraqi courts would have no jurisdiction over US troops and contractors inside their bases and when on duty. Iraq would also be prohibited from meddling in operations carried out by US forces or limiting their authority.

The US would also be allowed to attack any country, which "represents a security threat to Iraq" from the country's soil.

Hazem al-Araji, a senior leader from Sadr bloc, also voiced his opposition to the approval, saying "We were surprised and shocked by the decision, which represents devotion to the occupation" through agreeing to "the occupiers' demand"


Parliament is scheduled to vote on the pact on November 24, with he first reading set for Monday, deputy speaker Khalid al-Attiya told AFP.