Iraq FM Says US-Iraq Forces Deal Near

[unhappycamper]

Iraq FM Says US-Iraq Forces Deal Near
October 07, 2008
Associated Press

BAGHDAD - The U.S. and Iraq are close to a deal to keep U.S. troops in this country next year but it will take "bold political decisions" to overcome the final hurdles, Iraq's foreign minister said today.

Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari made his comments to reporters at a joint press conference with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte.

Zebari said the two sides were "very close" to an agreement to replace the U.N. mandate that expires this year.

But he added that "I don't want to give you any false hope," citing the longtime sticking-point issue of legal immunity for U.S. troops under Iraqi law.

"This issue needs, I think, some bold political decisions. And we are at that stage," he said, adding that he expected "hectic political meetings here in Baghdad on this issue to determine the fate of the agreement."


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/iraq-fm-says-us-iraq-forces-deal-near.html?col=1186032310810