U.S. and Iraq to negotiate agreement

nhboy

Ubi bene ibi patria
U.S. and Iraq will negotiate agreement on long-term relations

"WASHINGTON: The White House has announced that it reached a deal with the Iraqi government to negotiate a formal agreement to define long-term relations between the nations, including the legal status of U.S. military forces remaining in Iraq.

The "Declaration of Principles" - signed Monday via video link by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki - does not specify the eventual number of U.S. troops or the length of their deployment. That issue is certain to be central in the 2008 presidential campaign that will be under way as U.S. and Iraqi negotiators work toward a July deadline on a treaty governing relations between the two countries.

But administration officials stressed the significance of the agreement, saying that it was leading to a far more durable political, economic and security relationship than is possible under the current United Nations resolution, which serves as the foundation under international law for the U.S.-led effort in Iraq."

U.S. and Iraq will negotiate agreement on long-term relations - International Herald Tribune

"The Bush administration formally committed America yesterday to a long-term military presence in Iraq, pledging to protect the government in Baghdad from internal coup plots and foreign enemies."

Bush commits troops to Iraq for the long term | Iraq | Guardian Unlimited
 
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nhboy

Ubi bene ibi patria
Update 1

Iraq politicians oppose US pact

"Iraqi opposition groups have criticised moves towards a long-term US-Iraqi pact following the expiry of the UN mandate governing foreign troops in Iraq.

On Monday US and Iraqi leaders signed a "declaration of principles" on enduring military, political and economic ties.

Sunni Arab and Shia politicians said it would lead to what they described as "US interference for years to come".

The Iraqi parliament will have to approve any final agreement before it can come into force."

BBC NEWS | Middle East | Iraq politicians oppose US pact
 
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