U.S. responds to Iraqi proposals on troops

[unhappycamper]

U.S. responds to Iraqi proposals on troops
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Nov 6, 2008 21:44:16 EST

BAGHDAD — The U.S. responded Thursday to Iraqi proposals for changes in the draft security pact that would keep American troops here for three more years, saying it now considers the text final and it is up to Iraq’s government to push the process to approval.

U.S. and Iraqi officials would not release details of Washington’s response, which was contained in a letter from President Bush to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

But a senior Iraqi official familiar with the negotiations said Washington accepted some proposals and rejected others, presumably an Iraqi demand for expanded legal authority over American troops and Defense Department contractors.

The official would not elaborate and spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.

Iraqi lawmakers have said the demanded changes are essential to winning parliament’s approval before the Dec. 31 deadline, when the U.N. mandate for the U.S.-led coalition expires. Without an agreement or a new mandate, the U.S. would have to suspend all military operations in Iraq.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/11/ap_iraq_us_troops_110608/%2e



uhc comment: Could this actually be the end of the occupation?