US-Iraq pact won't tie Bush successor's hands: White House

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The White House said Thursday that a planned long-term US-Iraq security agreement did not require ratification by the US Congress and that it would not bind the hands of the next US president.

US President George W. Bush's chief spokeswoman, Dana Perino, said the US ambassador in Baghdad, Ryan Crocker, could provide more information when he testifies before lawmakers on April 8-9 about US-led efforts in Iraq.

Perino said the deal was necessary to lay out rules for US forces in Iraq to allow them to "operate freely" there beyond 2008, when the UN mandate for their presence ends.

"It's important to note what this agreement will not do. It will not tie the hands of the next President. It will not say how many troops should be there. It will...