Mullens sees U.S.-Iraq deal by year's end

WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mike Mullen says he thinks Washington and Iraq can agree on the future role of American forces in Iraq by year's end.

The Navy admiral said Tuesday talks between the two countries are proceeding apace, Armed Forces Press Service reported Wednesday.

"There's actually great debate about this right now, and I think that's pretty healthy," Mullen said.

"We really need to make sure that that agreement is in place. And from my view -- while certainly it's not done, because people are still working it -- it's all headed in the right direction."

The United Sates is facing a United Nations-imposed deadline of Dec. 31 for reaching a "status of forces" agreement with Iraq if it wants to keep its troops there legally.