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Iraq: SOFA must be discussed with neighbors
The Iraqi Parliament Speaker says Baghdad is determined to discuss matters of regional concern with key neighboring states such as Iran. In a Wednesday meeting with Iranian government officials, Mahmud Mashhadani said major issues concerning regional security such as the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) should be consulted with neighboring countries. "Any such decisions should be ratified by the Iraqi government and Parliament before referral to the country's presidency council for approval," he added. He said that Baghdad is keen on establishing closer relations with the Islamic Republic as a pivotal part of its political agenda. The proposed Iraq-US security plan provides a legal basis for the presence of US troops in Iraq after their mandate under the United Nations expires later this year. Iraqi political and religious leaders have voiced serious concerns over 'the longevity of the agreement and whether it will allow a permanent American military presence, capacity for US troops to carry out military operations, and the possibility of American military action outside the borders of Iraq.' Saeed Jalili, who was attended the meeting, for his part, urged the Iraqi nation not to allow any third country infringe on Iraq's sovereignty through this agreement. "The Iraqi people are the heirs of a great civilization and should not permit foreign interference to jeopardize their sovereignty," he said. Posted by: Fred 2008-10-09 |
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