Will Nothing Stop the Permanent Occupation Deal?

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Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told VOA Kurdish service it is possible the U.S. and Iraq can reach a security deal by the end of July. But, he said they disagree on the issue of Iraqi sovereignty in relation to the U.S. military’s role in Iraq.

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Zebari says that in meetings with U.S. officials, including President Bush, the officials emphasized Iraq’s sovereignty and the role of the Iraqi government. He says the goal of the security deal is for both sides to remain long-term strategic partners based on mutual interests.

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The deal would permit U.S. forces to remain in Iraq beyond December 31, when their U.N. mandate expires.