Iraq – U.S. agree on security deal draft – report

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Gulf News newspaper, based in the United Arab Emirates, on Saturday evening reported that a senior aide to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki said Iraq and the United States are now in agreement over a final draft of a security pact. The draft deal, if approved, would allow American troops to stay in Iraq for three more years after their UN mandate expires December 31, 2008. The aide, who spoke to the newspaper on condition of anonymity, said that copies of the agreement will be distributed to Cabinet members later Saturday after a final revision of the Arabic translation. It could be put to a vote in an emergency meeting on Sunday or Monday, the aide said, adding that it stands “a good chance” of being approved in Cabinet. If adopted by the Cabinet, the agreement will be voted on in parliament. MH (P)/SR 1