Iraqi officials awaiting U.S. response

BAGHDAD, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Iraqi officials are waiting for the U.S. government's response to the proposed bilateral security pact, Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh said Thursday.

The deal, which would outline security arrangements in Iraq, is in the final stages, Saleh said after meeting with Supreme Shiite cleric Ali Sistani, KUNA reported.

Once the American reactions to the plan are submitted they will be forwarded to Iraqi officials for discussion and then referred to the parliament for its consideration, the Kuwaiti news service said.

Saleh added that Iraq must have an agreement on what role the U.S. military should have in the future before an agreement can be presented to Washington.