Iraqis Criticize US-Iraq Security Pact

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Iraqis Criticize US-Iraq Security Pact
June 02, 2008
Associated Press

BAGHDAD - Iraq's chief spokesman Sunday acknowledged differences with the United States over a proposed long-term security agreement and pledged the government will protect Iraqi sovereignty in ongoing talks with the Americans.

Opposition has been growing to the proposed U.S.-Iraqi security pact, which will replace the current U.N. mandate and could provide for a long-term American military role in this country.

Much of the opposition come from anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, but statements critical of the deal have also been issued by mainstream Sunni and Shiite figures who fear it will undermine Iraqi sovereignty.

In a statement Sunday, chief government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said the Iraqi negotiators have a "vision and a draft that is different" from the Americans but that the talks, which began in March, were still in an early stage.

"There is great emphasis by the Iraqi government on fully preserving the sovereignty of Iraq in its lands, skies, waters and its internal and external relations," al-Dabbagh said. "The Iraqi government will not accept any article that infringes on sovereignty and does not guarantee Iraqi interests."


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