Iraq-US pact puts troop pullout by 2011: negotiator

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BAGHDAD, (AFP) — Negotiators have finalised a deal which will see the complete withdrawal of US troops from Iraq by 2011, ending an eight-year occupation, the top official in the Iraqi team told AFP.

Under the 27-point deal all American combat troops will be withdrawn from Iraqi cities by next June, negotiator Mohammed al-Haj Hammoud said Friday.

The agreement has already been approved by US President George W. Bush and now needs to be endorsed by Iraqi leaders, he added.

But while Bush seemed poised to reverse his previous opposition to a target date for withdrawal, the White House poured cold water on Iraq's account of the deal saying details had yet to be worked out.

"There are still discussions ongoing," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe...