Iraqi FM calls for “clear timeline” for US troop withdrawal
Washington, 10 August (IranVNC)—Iraq’s Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told reporters today that any security deal with the United States must include a “very clear timeline” for a US troop withdrawal.
By: IranVNC
Published: Sunday, August 10, 2008
14:25GMT—10:25AM/EST
IRAQ – US – WITHDRAWAL
Washington, 10 August (IranVNC)—Iraq’s Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told reporters today that any security deal with the United States must include a “very clear timeline” for a US troop withdrawal.
Zebari said that Iraqi and US negotiators were “very close” to reaching a long-term security agreement that will set the terms for the American troops in Iraq after their United Nations mandate expires at the end of the year.
When asked if the Iraqi government would accept a deal that did not mention dates, AP quotes Zebari as saying: “No, no definitely there has to be a very clear timeline.” He did not give specific dates, saying instead that it is a “condition-driven process”.
Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, have said they would like to see all US combat troops out by October 2010.
President George W. Bush has refused to accept any timeline for a US troop withdrawal. However, Bush and al-Maliki last month agreed to set a “general time horizon” for a US departure.
“The talks are ongoing. There’s been a great deal of progress. The deal is very close. It is about to be closed,” Reuters reports Zebari as saying.
The U.S. had set a 31 July target date for finalizing the deal, but talks have stalled on key points, including immunity for US troops from Iraqi law and the US military’s authority to conduct military operations and their power to detain Iraqi citizens.
According to Reuters, Iraq’s deputy speaker of parliament said last month that lawmakers would likely veto any deal if it granted immunity to US troops.
The final version of the deal would need approval by al-Maliki’s multiparty executive and national security councils and his Council of Ministers, as well as the Iraqi parliament.
Sources: Reuters, Associated Press
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