Map of Iraq showing provinces transferred from US to Iraqi control. Iraq took control of the central Shiite province of Babil from US forces, in what local officials said was further sign of security gains across the war-torn nation. (AFP/Graphic/null)Iraq Leaving Pact's 'Backbone' Untouched -- Washington Times
But Baghdad eyes wording
From combined dispatches
BAGHDAD | Baghdad will demand changes to the wording of a pact allowing U.S. troops to stay in Iraq but will not seek to renegotiate the "backbone" of the agreement, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said Wednesday.
Associated Press Iraqi policemen inspect a damaged ambulance after it was hit by a roadside bomb in al Nidhal Street central Baghdad on Wednesday. The victim being carried in the ambulance was killed and three other people were wounded.
"In my opinion and based on my follow-up for the negotiations, I do not think there will be structural amendments. Maybe it will touch the wording and descriptions, possibly, but the backbone of the pact is what has already been agreed on," Mr. Zebari told Reuters news agency.
Iraq's Cabinet decided Tuesday to demand amendments to the pact, despite having agreed last week to a "final draft" after months of painstaking negotiations with Washington.
The decision to reopen the negotiations has exasperated Washington, which is worried that its troops could have no legal basis to remain in Iraq beyond the end of this year when a U.N. Security Council resolution authorizing the force expires.
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My Comment: When they vote on the final package, we will then know where we all stand. At the moment .... the Iraqi leadership are now positioning themselves and their supporters to accept this agreement.