Iraq's cabinet discussed changes to a security pact with the United States on Tuesday. Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said ministers were considering proposed amendments to the pact, which would allow U.S. troops to remain in the country through 2011. After the meeting, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki "will be authorized to put forward the amendments, through his negotiating team, to the American side," Dabbagh was quoted as saying by Associated Press. The accord, which would provide a legal basis for the U.S. presence in Iraq once the current U.N. mandate expires on Dec. 31, appeared to have reached a final version last week after months of intense bilateral negotiations.
