LOC14:05
11:05 GMT
BAGHDAD, Nov 16 (KUNA) -- The just signed security agreement between the
Iraqi Government and the US states on a withdrawal of foreign troops from the
Gulf country's cities starting June 30, 2009 and a final and complete
withdrawal from the state by 2011, a government spokesman said Sunday.
The Iraqi Government had earlier on Sunday approved the security agreement
with Washington and sent the document for the parliament for its ratification,
Government Spokesman Ali Al-Dabbagh has said.
Al-Dabbagh reported a majority of votes in favor of signing the amended
agreement and a vote result of 27 ayes out of 28 votes cast in an
extraordinary cabinet session this morning.
The agreement, according to Al-Dabbagh, also states the above mentioned
dates are not negotiable.
He added an article also states that the Green Zone is to be restored to
Iraqi administration which would also supervise inspections, security
measures, and other aspects of running the zone.
He also said that by January 2009, broadcast control is to be returned to
Iraqi authorities, along with the security posts which are to be restored to
Iraqi control as of that same date.
Among other details Al-Dabbagh revealed was that the Iraqi authorities
alone would have right of ordering inspections and raids anywhere within Iraqi
territory. US forces would need legal approval and government sanction before
they could go on such missions, he pointed out.
The spokesman also remarked that US military shipments into the country
would be inspected.
Another important item within the text is a segment stating Iraqi territory
and airspace is not to be used in any aggression on any neighboring country.
(end)
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KUNA 161405 Nov 08NNNN