US-Iraqi security deal likely to be passed

Baghdad: Two days ahead of parliament's vote on the US-Iraqi security agreement, Gulf News has learnt that the agreement is likely to be passed.

"There are divisions in the opposition camp and Sunni blocs seem like they will support the pact," Feriad Rawanduz, a member of the Kurdistan Alliance bloc, said.

"The Iraqi National List Party, which has 25 seats and is headed by Eyad Allawi, has been vocal in its opposition to the pact. However, recent divisions may help swing their vote in favour of the pact," Mayson Al Damaluji, a party member told Gulf News.

Saleh Al Mutlak, Sunni National Dialogue Deputy chief, said his party's support to the pact is subject to a list of guarantees submitted to US and Iraqi governments.

The Shiite Alliance bloc which has 85 seats is likely to favour the pact, and the anti-US Sadr party which has 30 seats will vote against the pact.