U.S. to normalize relations with Iraq

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- The United States is ready to begin negotiations with the Iraqi government on a basic framework for establishing normalized relations between the countries.

In an op-ed piece in Wednesday's Washington Post, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Robert Gates say the move is necessary because the Iraqi government has indicated it will not seek an extension of U.N. resolutions expiring at the end of this year.

"In these negotiations, we seek to set the basic parameters for the U.S. presence in Iraq, including the appropriate authorities and jurisdiction necessary to operate effectively and carry out essential missions," Rice and Gates write.

They say the negotiations will not set troop levels, mandate continued combat missions nor commit the United States to join Iraq in a war against another country.

"We seek to establish a basic framework for a strong relationship with Iraq," the secretaries said.

The negotiations will be carried out by U.S. ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker.