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U.S. “agrees” to Iraq pull-out time-table

LONDON: America has agreed to a provisional time-table for a phased withdrawal of its forces from Iraq with most combat troops expected to be out of the country within three years, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari has told a British newspaper.

The Times on Thursday quoted him as saying under the terms of a draft agreement American troops would start withdrawing from the “main cities” across Iraq next summer and move to larger camps outside depending on the security situation.

He said the agreement, which would provide the legal basis for American military presence in Iraq after the expiry of the U.N. mandate at the end of this year, made “no provision” for permanent American military bases in the country.

This had been a sticking point in the negotiations with Americans reportedly insisting on retaining permanent bases even after the pull-out.

Mr. Zebari also said the American forces would be “barred” from unilaterally mounting attacks inside Iraq once the agreement came into force.

The Iraqi Foreign Minister said both sides had made “some compromises” .

He said the deal was “very close” to being finalised.

“Our negotiators and the Americans have almost brought it [the accord] to a close. It is not a closed deal but it is very close,” he said.

American authorities declined to comment but expressed satisfaction with the negotiations describing them as “constructive,” The Times said.

The Americans have been opposed to the idea of a time-table, but Mr. Zebari claimed that the issue had been resolved though the pace of actual withdrawal would depend on the security situation on the ground, and the capability of Iraqi forces to take over.

The final agreement would have to be approved by Iraqi Parliament.

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