Iraq’s premier says U.S. pact will cut attacks
Iraq and the war on terrorismProvincial voting set

By The Associated Press

Published: November 19, 2008

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s prime minister delivered a nationally televised address Tuesday to rally domestic support for a U.S.-Iraqi security pact. He called it a step toward full sovereignty and assured neighbors it will prevent cross-border attacks.

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Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki described it as imperfect but necessary.

"We have reservations about the agreement. But we at the same time see it as a solid prelude to the restoration of Iraq’s full sovereignty in three years’ time,” he said.

Al-Maliki did not specify his concerns, but many Iraqis have mixed feelings about the presence of 150,000 U.S. soldiers.

The agreement requires American troops to leave Iraqi cities by next June 30 and all of the country by Jan. 1, 2012. In the meantime, the agreement would put U.S. troops under strict Iraqi oversight.

If approved by parliament and ratified by the presidency, the pact would take effect when a U.N. mandate for the troop presence expires Dec. 31.

Also Tuesday, Iraq said it will hold provincial elections Jan. 31 for the first time since 2005, when the country was in chaos. The vote will be a move toward national reconciliation because the Sunni Arab minority that boycotted the elections last time will be taking part in this vote.

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