Iraqi PM's deputies defend security pact with US

[November 25, 2008]  BAGHDAD (AP) -- The Iraqi prime minister's two deputies have come to the defense of a proposed security pact with the United States on the eve of a scheduled parliamentary vote on the deal.

Several members of Nouri al-Maliki's Cabinet have warned that rejecting the pact to extend the presence of U.S. forces for three years could have dire security consequences.

Kurdish Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh says the possible alternative of extending the expiring U.N. mandate or requesting a U.S. withdrawal would be a "great loss" for Iraq.

Al-Maliki's Sunni Arab deputy, Rafia al-Issawi, says parliament must follow the Cabinet's lead and approve the agreement.

The two spoke at a news conference Tuesday, a day before parliament is to vote on the deal.

[Associated Press]

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