BAGHDAD, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- The Iraqi parliament began debate Monday on a proposed security agreement governing U.S. troops in the country, officials said.
Lawmakers received the status of forces agreement, or SOFA, after it was approved Sunday by Iraq's Cabinet, CNN reported. It calls for U.S.-led coalition forces to be withdrawn from the country by the end of 2011 and establishes a legal framework covering occupying forces to replace a U.N. mandate that expires Dec. 31.