The US and Iraq are close to a deal to keep US troops in this country next year but it will take "bold political decisions" to overcome the final hurdles, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said Tuesday. Speaking to reporters at a joint press conference with US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, Zebari said the two sides were "very close" to an agreement to replace the UN mandate that expires this year. But he added that "I don't want to give you any false hope," citing the issue of legal immunity for US troops under Iraqi law. Shortly before the press conference began in the Green Zone, two bombs attached to cars exploded in the parking lot in front of the Foreign Ministry, which is outside the US-protected area. At least five Iraqis were injured.