Iraq to assess payout claims from victims of US ops

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2009

BAGHDAD (AFP) — Iraq has formed a committee to assess claims for compensation from people who have suffered because of US military operations since the start of the year, the government said on Sunday.

The formation of the committee is part of a security accord signed by Baghdad and Washington in November that calls for the pullout of all US troops from Iraqi cities by the end of this month, and the withdrawal of all American forces from Iraq by the end of 2011.

"The cabinet formed a committee charged with receiving complaints from citizens who suffered loss or injury by coalition forces," a government statement said.

Under Article 21 of the Status of Forces Agreement, both the US and Iraq agreed to "waive the right to claim compensation against the other ... for...