US plans to stay in Iraq and hold suspects indefinitely

Published on Tuesday 8 April 2008 10:11

PROVISION is being made for US forces to remain in Iraq indefinitely, according to details in a confidential draft agreement.

The draft strategic framework agreement between the US and Iraqi governments is intended to replace the existing UN mandate and authorises the US to "conduct military operations in Iraq and to detain individuals when necessary for imperative reasons of security" without time limit.

US officials said the plans for the future of US forces in Iraq were part of an "ongoing process" and it would be premature to speculate on the eventual result.

Lieutenant Colonel Todd Vician, a spokesman for the US Department of Defence, added that America was not seeking permanent military bases in Iraq. Lt Col Vician said: "

The secretary (Robert Gates) has spoken many times about our intent regarding force levels and not seeking permanent bases in Iraq."

The new plans are likely to be strongly opposed in both Washington and Iraq as there was no mention of a time limit or restrictions on the US forces in the country. The UN mandate expires at the end of the year and the new agreement is made to govern the status of the US military forces in Iraq.