Iraq cites problems with US security deal

Baghdad: Iraq's chief spokesman has admitted differences with the United States over a proposed long-term security agreement.

Chief government spokesman Ali Al Dabbagh said the Iraqi negotiators have a "vision and a draft that is different" from the Americans but that talks were still in early stages.

Opposition has been growing in Iraq to the proposed security pact with the US, which could provide for a long-term American military role in Iraq.

"There is great emphasis by the Iraqi government on fully preserving the sovereignty of Iraq in its lands, skies, waters and its internal and external relations," Al Dabbagh said.

"The Iraqi government will not accept any article that infringes on sovereignty and does not guarantee Iraqi interests," he said.

Anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada Al Sadr have voiced opposition to the pact, along with mainstream Sunni and Shiite figures. US officials have refused to comment.

However, Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on Sunday spoke out in favour of the US-Iraq security agreement, saying that Iraqi forces still need the support of the US-led coalition.

"Our forces and capabilities haven't reached the level of self-sufficiency," Zebari said at a joint news conference with visiting French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.

"We need this strategic security agreement...for the time being. But this is not open-ended," he said.