Iraqi leaders hold off on approving US pact

IRAQI POLITICAL leaders meeting yesterday took no decision to approve a pact allowing US troops to stay for three years, and many expressed reservations about it, government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said. "They just finished the meeting and they did not take a decision on the pact because some groups had reservations," Mr Dabbagh said last night.

On Saturday 50,000 Iraqis had marched into central Baghdad to demand an early withdrawal of US troops and condemn the proposed US-Iraqi security agreement. While the majority of the demonstrators were Shias who rallied to the call of dissident cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, Sunnis and Christians also took part and joined in the chant, "No, no, to America."

In a message read out at the gathering, Mr Sadr said: "The Iraqi government has abandoned its duty before God and its people and referred the agreement to you, knowing that ratifying it will stigmatise Iraq and its government for years to come . . . If they tell you that the agreement ends the presence of the occupation, let me tell you that the occupier will retain his bases.

"And whoever tells you that [the agreement] gives us sovereignty is a liar. I am confident that your brothers in parliament will champion the will of the people over that of the occupier . . . Do not betray the people."

Iraqi analyst Abdulhay Yahya Zalloum said: "It is not only al-Sadr that is opposed to this so-called security pact. The Christian community, at least a big chunk of it, as well as most of the Sunni community oppose it, too. Very recently the Sunni community declared that it is against Islam to have any security pact with the United States."

He said the US "came uninvited" to Iraq and argued that the draft was being negotiated "while 150,000 US troops plus contractors" are in Iraq. He said that "a country under occupation" with a pro-US government could not be expected to get the best terms.

The rally took place a day after Iraq's political council for national security, comprised of representatives of parliamentary factions, opened discussion of the draft.

For Iraqis, the most contentious provision grants immunity from prosecution to US troops conducting military operations outside bases. Iraqis want US troops held accountable since many civilians have been killed or wounded by US forces on patrol, searching homes, or in attacks on suspected al-Qaeda or insurgents. The deadline for a deal is December 31st.