Iraqi PM: Iraq, US still negotiating to reach security deal

Iraq's foreign minister says Iraq and the US are still negotiating to reach an acceptable security agreement. The deal is expected to protect Iraq and its sovereignty.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said on Wednesday the two nations are continuing their work together to reach a new security deal. But he added that the US is prepared to help Iraq safeguard its concerns.

Hoshyar Zebari said, "Really we are still negotiating other instructions from my government, from the Prime Minister, to continue to negotiate to reach an acceptable agreement that will preserve and protect Iraqi interests about sovereignty."

On Tuesday, Zebari said the US made major concessions in talks on the new agreement. The deal aims to keep American troops in the country after their UN mandate expires at the end of the year.

He said the agreement will also end immunity from prosecution, currently enjoyed by Americans and other foreign security contractors in Iraq.

The announcement was welcomed by some on the streets of Baghdad.

Naufil Al-Bahrani, Iraqi citizen, said, "Lifting immunity from security companies is something good because they kill Iraqis in cold blood. By ending immunity, this will help Iraqi law review issues of such companies' victims and chase them judicially."

But other Iraqis doubted whether America would implement such an agreement.

Zebari briefed lawmakers on Tuesday following his visit last month to Washington, where he met with President George W. Bush.