.US 'snubs Iraq over jurisdiction clause'
The US has reportedly rejected the Iraqi proposed amendment to the most controversial clause of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).
Citing informed government sources, the Iraqi daily al-Sabah reported on Saturday that Washington has turned down Baghdad's request to change a SOFA provision which would grant US citizens immunity from legal prosecution in Iraq.
Under the provision, which has sparked fierce opposition from Iraqi political and religious leaders, Iraqi courts would have no jurisdiction over US troops and contractors inside their bases and when on duty.
The daily added, under the deal, Iraq would supervise US postal services inside the country but would not be permitted to inspect parcels distained for US institutions.
The report added the White House had agreed to change the name of the agreement to the 'pact for the withdrawal of the US forces' from Iraq.
Iraqi officials are seeking to oblige the US to withdraw its troops from Iraq because the draft agreement includes provisions which would allow the US to stay in Iraq beyond 2011-- a deadline set for the troops' pullout.
The Iraqi government has demanded that the US agree with a series of amendments to the draft agreement in a bid "to preserve the country's sovereignty and national interests."
Press TV
Citing informed government sources, the Iraqi daily al-Sabah reported on Saturday that Washington has turned down Baghdad's request to change a SOFA provision which would grant US citizens immunity from legal prosecution in Iraq.
Under the provision, which has sparked fierce opposition from Iraqi political and religious leaders, Iraqi courts would have no jurisdiction over US troops and contractors inside their bases and when on duty.
The daily added, under the deal, Iraq would supervise US postal services inside the country but would not be permitted to inspect parcels distained for US institutions.
The report added the White House had agreed to change the name of the agreement to the 'pact for the withdrawal of the US forces' from Iraq.
Iraqi officials are seeking to oblige the US to withdraw its troops from Iraq because the draft agreement includes provisions which would allow the US to stay in Iraq beyond 2011-- a deadline set for the troops' pullout.
The Iraqi government has demanded that the US agree with a series of amendments to the draft agreement in a bid "to preserve the country's sovereignty and national interests."
Press TV
posted by madtom at 8:44 PM
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