Sadrists Block Debate on Iraq-US Pact
By VOA News
19 November 2008
Iraqi lawmakers loyal to Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr have disrupted a parliamentary debate on the U.S.-Iraq security agreement.
Iraq's parliamentary speaker, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, adjourned Wednesday's session early after a Sadrist lawmaker clashed with guards as he approached a ruling coalition lawmaker reading aloud the text of the pact.
Other Sadrist lawmakers earlier disrupted the session by shouting.
Parliament is to meet again Thursday and is scheduled to vote on the U.S.-Iraq pact November 24.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's ruling coalition dominates the legislature, so the security agreement is expected to pass despite opposition by the Sadrists.
Mr. Maliki's Cabinet approved the pact Sunday.
The agreement calls for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraqi cities by next June, and all U.S. troops withdrawn by the end of 2011.
Mr. Maliki discussed the security agreement in his address to the nation Tuesday. He said he believes the agreement is a "solid start" for Iraq to regain its full sovereignty in three years.
He also said the agreement does not have any secret clauses or stipulate the establishment of permanent military bases in Iraq.
While U.S. and Iraqi officials have called the pact a firm commitment on the future of the American military presence, both sides have said that it could be renegotiated.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
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