From Deseret News archives:
Officials: Pact calls for troop pullback in Iraq
In Washington, a senior military official said the deal has been accepted by the U.S. side, short of formal approval by President Bush, but is subject to final acceptance by Iraqi leaders. Some members of Iraq's Cabinet oppose some provisions.
Also completed is a companion draft document, known as a strategic framework agreement, spelling out in broad terms the political, security and economic relationships between Iraq and the United States, the senior military official said. The official discussed the draft accords on condition that he not be identified by name because the deals have not been publicly announced and are not final.
In addition to spelling out that U.S. troops would move out of Iraqi cities by next summer, the Iraqi government has pushed for a specific date most likely the end of 2011 by which all U.S. forces would depart the country. In the meantime, the U.S. troops would be positioned on bases in less visible parts of the country, and would be ready to assist Iraqi forces as needed.
It was not clear Wednesday how that has been settled in the draft security accord, which the two governments are referring to as a memorandum of understanding.
The senior U.S. military official said the draft is consistent with U.S. objectives, which include setting a "time horizon" rather than a firm date for the future withdrawal of American forces.
In Washington, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said talks with the Iraqis were ongoing and "we are trying to bring the agreement to a close. It is not done yet."
An Iraqi official who was involved in the protracted negotiations said the latest draft was completed last week and sent to the two governments.
The official said a compromise had been worked out on the contentious issue of whether to provide U.S. troops immunity from prosecution under Iraqi law, but he did not give details. In Washington, the senior military official said the draft agreement reflects the U.S. position that the United States must retain exclusive legal jurisdiction over its troops in Iraq.
Burns reported from Washington.
Recent comments
As opposed to completely buying into MoveOn.org's tripe.........
re: re 5:10 | Aug. 20, 2008 at 9:26 p.m.
wow, what accuracy: yes, timothy mcveigh was definitely a surprise...
well said!! | Aug. 20, 2008 at 7:44 p.m.
This poor deluded poster above has totally bought into the neocon's...
re: 5:10 | Aug. 20, 2008 at 5:32 p.m.
- Utahns hit roads, runways 11:21 p.m.
- West Jordan pummel West 11:14 p.m.
- Obama hails U.S.-India partnership 11:00 p.m.
- AF handles scrappy Fremont 10:50 p.m.
- Human race related to earliest fossils 10:40 p.m.
- Alaska diocese agrees to pay $10M 10:32 p.m.
- Photo: Lion cubs pride of Ohio zoo 10:31 p.m.
- California could get Tesla plant 10:31 p.m.
- Loyal to Cougarettes, Crimson Line 10:24 p.m.
- Ex-legislators call for ethics reform 10:23 p.m.
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- Best prep football games of 2009
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- Kirilenko climbing blocks list
- Woman describes stabbing, killing
- Boys basketball rankings
- 'Dancing' will fill out finale
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
229 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
224 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
189 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
179 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
137 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
136 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
120 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
104
As long as BYU doesn't try to go deep, they are going to be fine on offense....
This game is actually very close on paper. BYU has more yards per game, but...
Way to go Donny you had my vote from the start. I thought they gave to much...
Is there someplace where we can watch the Cougarettes perform? Is there...
How is Pleasant Grove ranked higher than Syracuse when Syracuse beat them in...
Just wanted to put my 2-cents worth in to all of this. So if anyone...
you will wait the rest of your life.. He could care less
I've been reading the book with by daughters. It's a short book and it...
The ethics commission simply researches complaints. They have no power to...
Well, maybe the Ute program has maturity but the fans...? See post above.


