Iraq government cancels meeting to discuss US-Iraqi pact

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
The Iraqi Cabinet canceled a meeting to discuss the US-Iraqi security pact Sunday, saying proposals for amendments to an earlier draft were still being submitted, a government adviser said. It was the latest setback to US hopes to reach a quick agreement on a deal that would extend the presence of American forces beyond the end of this year. Sadiq al-Rikabi said Sunday's extraordinary meeting was canceled because "proposals are still arriving." The Cabinet routinely meets on Tuesdays. The government planned to send new proposals to the Americans for changes in the draft, which has been negotiated since early this year.