BAGHDAD, May 12 (UPI) -- At least 70 percent of Iraqi leaders need to express support to consider a continued U.S. troop presence, Iraq's prime minister said.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in 2008 signed off on a bilateral status of forces agreement that calls on U.S. forces to leave the country at the end of December.
Kurdish Prime Minister Barham Salih said after meeting with U.S. lawmakers this week continued support would help "maintain a stable Iraq and to develop democracy."
Some members of the Sunni leadership have expressed support for American troops as well. Shiites, including some members of Maliki's own political bloc, are opposed to any extension, however.
Maliki said U.S. war planners want Baghdad to make up its mind by August to make the necessary preparations. An extension, however, would need the support of at least 70 percent of the Iraqi leadership to move forward, he said.
"Realistically, there is no 100 percent consensus on such an issue," he was quoted by the McClatchy news service as saying.
Maliki during a news conference declined to express his own views, however.
