Washington, Baghdad complete draft plan on U.S. troop presence
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Associated Press

The United States and Iraq have agreed to a draft security pact that requires U.S. troops to leave Iraq by the end of 2011 unless asked to stay, the Iraqi government said on Wednesday, although its implementation is far from certain.

Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh also said Baghdad will seek an extension of a UN mandate for the U.S. troops in Iraq â?? due to expire on Dec. 31 â?? if the pact is not in place by the end of this year.

The draft agreement also lets Iraq try U.S. troops for felonies committed off-duty. The concession on the legal immunity for U.S. forces represents the biggest bone of contention, Bush administration officials who asked not to be named told the Associated Press.

The draft, reached after months of halting and often tense talks, contains elements that are expected to further aggravate an already difficult effort to get the Iraqi government and parliament on board, the officials said.
maladroit Reviewed by maladroit on . bush administration signs cut-and-run deal in iraq Washington, Baghdad complete draft plan on U.S. troop presence Last Updated: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 The Associated Press The United States and Iraq have agreed to a draft security pact that requires U.S. troops to leave Iraq by the end of 2011 unless asked to stay, the Iraqi government said on Wednesday, although its implementation is far from certain. Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh also said Baghdad will seek an extension of a UN mandate for the U.S. troops in Iraq â?? due Rating: 5