Iraq's Cabinet approves U.S. security pact

 BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The Iraqi Cabinet on Sunday approved a security pact that would set the terms for U.S. troops in Iraq.

The agreement sets June 30, 2009, as the deadline for U.S. troops to withdraw from all Iraqi cities and towns, Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said.

The date for all troops to leave Iraq will be December 31, 2011, he said.

These dates are "set and fixed" and are "not subject to the circumstances on the ground," he said.

Twenty-seven of the 40 Cabinet members in attendance voted in favor of the agreement, said Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari. One minister abstained.

The Cabinet consists of the prime minister, two deputy prime ministers, and 37 other ministers.

The approved draft will be sent to the Council of Representatives, Iraq's 275-seat parliament, later Sunday, where it will be put to another vote. "There is great optimism that they will pass it," said Industry Minister Fawzi Hariri.

Earlier, Sami al-Askari, an advisor to the Iraqi prime minister, said the draft included changes that made it "satisfactory" for the Iraqis.

For months, the United States and Iraq have been negotiating a proposed status of forces agreement. It would set the terms for U.S. troops in Iraq after the U.N. mandate on their presence expires at the end of this year.

Many Iraqi officials say they will oppose any deal that hints at compromising the country's sovereignty.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/11/16/security.pact.vote/index.html

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{ There is no guarantee that the Iraqi parliament will pass this as they seldom can agree to pass anything. However if by some miracle they do..... how should it effect Obama's pre-election promise to have all American troops out of Iraq in sixteen months? As long as an exit plan is finally in shape that has been successfully negotiated with the Iraqi government...does it matter? On the other hand it certainly was an important plank in Obama's platform and should be followed up on. His reputation to some extent relies on his ability to carry through with his promises. There are not than many months difference in the two plans anyway so is this one of those cases where events on the ground necessitate a re-thinking of pledges made or do you think Obama should stick to what he promised?}