Iraqi-US panel 'to decide on crimes' by American soldiers

Abu Dhabi: A joint Iraqi-US committee will decide whether Iraqi or US jurisdiction will be applicable to crimes committed by American soldiers off post and off duty, said a top Iraqi diplomat.

Hoshyar Zebari, Iraq's Foreign Minister, told Gulf News a decision on jurisdiction will depend on how grave or deliberate the crime is, among other factors.

While declining to speak of the structure and membership of that committee, Zebari said the United States will have jurisdiction over its civilians and soldiers inside their bases and while they are on assignments.

"In-depth negotiations over jurisdiction have culminated in this agreement in principle and the American side showed willingness and preparedness to cooperate in this regard," he said.

Zebari was visiting Abu Dhabi to participate in the Future Forum conference, which was attended by foreign ministers and senior officials from the Middle East, North Africa and the G8 industrial nations.