Iraq security pact rules out U.S. troops past 2011

The proposed U.S.– Iraqi security pact removes language authorizing Iraq to ask U.S. soldiers to stay beyond 2011 and bans cross-border attacks from Iraqi soil, according to a copy of the draft obtained Monday by The Associated Press.

The latest draft, sent Thursday to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, also strengthens language regarding Iraqi sovereignty but does not appear to make significant changes in the limited legal authority granted to Iraq to prosecute U.S. soldiers for major crimes committed off post and off duty.

But it was unclear whether the changes would be enough to silence critics – especially among the majority Shiite community – who have complained the deal favors U.S. interests over Iraq’s.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki plans to show the draft to President Jalal Talabani and the two vice presidents. Later, he will submit it to the Cabinet, and if the ministers agree, he will forward it to parliament for a final decision.