Iraq demands pullout timetable in US talks

by orlandosf Mon Jul 07, 2008 5:38 pm

Tuesday 8 July 2008 (04 Rajab 1429)

Iraq demands pullout timetable in US talks
Agencies

BAGHDAD: Iraq has proposed a short-term memorandum of understanding on the presence of American troops instead of a more formal agreement, Iraq’s prime minister Nuri Al-Maliki said yesterday — an apparent response to opposition from Iraqi lawmakers.
Some type of agreement is needed to keep US troops in Iraq after a UN mandate expires at year’s end. But many Iraqi lawmakers had criticized the government’s attempt to negotiate a formal status of forces agreement, worried US demands would threaten the country’s sovereignty.
Al-Maliki said the memorandum “now on the table” includes a formula for the withdrawal of US troops — an idea opposed by US President George W. Bush. “The goal is to end the presence (of foreign troops),” Al-Maliki told several Arab ambassadors to the UAE during a meeting in Abu Dhabi. The prime minister provided no details. But his national security adviser, Mouwaffak Al-Rubaie, told The Associated Press the government is proposing a timetable conditioned on the ability of Iraqi forces to provide security.
US officials have said little publicly about the negotiations. They had no immediate comment yesterday.
With the latest moves, Iraq’s government appeared to be trying to blunt opposition to any deal in Parliament.
Al-Maliki also could be trying to avoid Parliament altogether. He has promised in the past to submit a formal agreement with the US to the legislative body. But his spokesman indicated yesterday that the government might feel no need to get approval from Parliament for a shorter-term interim deal. “It is up to the Cabinet whether to approve it or sign on it, without going back to the Parliament,” said spokesman Ali Al-Dabbagh.
Vote on July 15
Parliament said yesterday it would vote July 15 whether to approve provincial elections originally scheduled for Oct. 1.
But a senior election official said it was impossible to hold the elections on schedule. If the vote is to be held before the end of the year, Parliament must approve the elections by the end of July, said Judge Qassim Al-Aboudi. Violence in Iraq has fallen to its lowest level in four years. The change has been driven by the 2007 buildup of American forces, the Sunni tribal revolt against Al-Qaeda in Iraq and crackdowns against extremists.

by wherbie Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:33 pm

how about a formula for the withdrawl of all Al Quada and Iranian forces ...from Iraq...

as long as your talking out of your arse ... al maliki

wake up, and quit dreaming...we are still in Germany ...60 years after WW2...

does that give you a clue ?

.

by yunowu Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:19 pm

By Suzanne Presto
Irbil
07 July 2008

Iraq's prime minister is considering alternatives to a long term security deal that would define U.S. troops' presence in Iraq beyond 2008. VOA's Suzanne Presto reports from the northern city of Irbil...

http://www.voanews.com/english/07-07-2008-001.cfm

by yunowu Tue Jul 08, 2008 11:30 am

By VOA News
08 July 2008

Iraq's national security advisor says his country will reject a planned security agreement with the United States, unless it includes a specific timetable for the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces from Iraq...

http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-07-08-voa35.cfm

by yunowu Wed Jul 09, 2008 9:03 am

By VOA News
09 July 2008
The Bush administration says it remains opposed to setting a date for withdrawing U.S.-led forces from Iraq that is not based on conditions on the ground...

http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-07-09-voa16.cfm

by yunowu Wed Jul 09, 2008 6:00 pm

By Dan Robinson
Washington
09 July 2008

A U.S. general formerly in charge of training Iraq's army and police forces since 2007 says they will require long-term assistance from the United States. VOA's Dan Robinson reports from Capitol Hill, where lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee questioned Army Lieutenant General James Dubik about the status of Iraqi forces...
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-07-09-voa16.cfm

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