Sticking points remain on U.S.-Iraqi pact

BAGHDAD, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The long-term security pact set to replace the expiring U.N. mandate for Iraq must meet constitutional and parliamentary requirements, an official said Tuesday.

Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said the security agreement is a top priority for Iraqi and foreign officials negotiating the agreement.

Dabbagh reminded officials any agreement with the United States regarding a military presence in Iraq must adhere to the Iraqi Constitution and be approved by all political parties in Iraq.

Ali al-Mausawi, a top adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, warned that the agreement must not violate the sovereignty of Iraq, adding that violation includes the establishment of permanent military bases. Mausawi noted Iraqi negotiators were in consultation with other Arab states that have similar strategic relations with the United States, Iraqi television network al-Sumaria said.

Mohammed Bahr al-Ulom, a Shiite lawmaker who served under the U.S. civilian administrator in Iraq, L. Paul Bremer, said the agreement should reflect the political and military achievements in Iraq over the past few months.

In a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker, Ulom encouraged U.S. officials to work harder on boosting relations between Iraq and its regional allies.