No decision taken on U.S. troops extension – MP

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Political entities have not solidified their positions on the extension of the U.S. forces, the head of Rafidain Bloc said today.   MP Unadim Kana told IraqiNews.com following the meeting of the political blocs that “the meeting discussed important and strategic questions, including the U.S. forces withdrawal at the end of this year, the necessity of internal cohesion, and stopping media escalation among them.”   “The atmosphere was acceptable between al-Iraqiya and State of Law blocs, who have agreed to stop the media escalation,” he added.   Kana disclosed that the Sadrist Trend was the “only entity that submitted a clear stand demanding the withdrawal of U.S. forces and to abide by the security agreement between the two sides”.   He added that the “government has submitted its stand on the internal security question, but, in regard to the external question, it needs more time and a joint economic standpoint.”   The political entity agreed to hold a meeting next week.   On Monday, President Jalal Talabani called all political blocs to abide by the initiative of Kurdistan’s president, presented nine months ago.    In a short televised statement by al-Iraqiya TV station after the meeting, Talabani said that “all entities should abide by the Arbil initiative” and called for “solving differences and stop media statements,” describing the meeting as “positive.”   Today’s meeting was not attended by Kurdistan president Masoud Barzani, al-Iraqiya leader Iyad Allawi, or Parliament Speaker Usama Nujaifi.   Alawai apologized for not coming due to special health condition, following a phone call with President Talabani. RM (TR)/SR 703