Iraq ministry finishes draft law on contractors (Will the U.S. acknowledge Iraq's sovereignty?)

[ProSense]

Iraq ministry finishes draft law on contractors

By Mussab al-Khairalla and Aseel Kami
Tue Sep 25, 8:40 AM ET

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's Interior Ministry has finished draft legislation that would end the legal immunity enjoyed by private security contractors after a deadly shooting involving U.S. firm Blackwater, an official said on Tuesday.

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"This legislation will cover everything to do with these companies. The companies will come under the grip of Iraqi law, will be monitored by the Interior Ministry and will work under its guidelines," Khalaf said.

"They will be strictly punished for any (violations) on the street."

The shooting has incensed Iraqis who regard the tens of thousands of security contractors working in the country as private armies that act with impunity.

At issue for many Iraqis is sovereignty, given that security firms have immunity from Iraqi law under a 2004 regulation written while Iraq was under U.S. administration following the toppling of Saddam Hussein the year before.

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[Solly Mack]

1. that is the question isn't it?