Iraqi-U.S. security pact length up in air

BAGHDAD, July 8 (UPI) -- Iraqi leaders favor a short-term security pact with the United States instead of one that would last for years, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said.

The countries are negotiating details that would formalize the U.S.-Iraqi security relationship once the legal authority for U.S. combat troops expires at the end of 2008.

In a statement, Maliki's office said the "current trend is toward reaching a memorandum of understanding" that would extend the presence of U.S. troops for a period of time but left opened a precise timetable for troop withdrawal, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

"We think that what is suitable for withdrawal is when our soldiers are ready and well-armed to take the responsibility" with options and several end-points under discussion, Ali al-Adeeb, a leader in Maliki's political party, told the Times.

With elections scheduled for this year in both countries, and opposition to a long-term security agreement likely in the Iraqi parliament, Iraqi leaders told the Times they were considering a more narrow, shorter-term agreement.

Iraq's parliament said it would vote next week on a bill that would authorize and establish rules for provincial elections this year.