Quaker organization posts first public English translation of latest U.S.-Iraq status of forces agreement

Quaker organization posts English translation of U.S.-Iraq military agreement

For Immediate Release: October 21, 2008
Media Contact: Raed Jarrar, 202-483-3341, ext. 110

WASHINGTON, DC (October 21, 2008) – The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), an international peace and social justice organization, has posted the first public English translation of the latest status of forces agreement between the U.S and Iraqi administrations on its web site, www.afsc.org.

If ratified in Iraq, the agreement would permit U.S. troops to remain the country once the United Nations mandate ends this year and may begin the process of establishing permanent U.S. military bases there.

The Arabic-language version of this document appeared in a major daily newspaper, Al-Sabah Al-Jadeed, today.

"This agreement could further entrench the U.S. military in Iraq," says Raed Jarrar, the AFSC Iraq consultant who translated the agreement based on a leaked Arabic version.  "It cannot be negotiated behind closed doors.  The public, Congress, and the Iraqi Parliament should be informed and weigh in before we set a direction for the future."

The AFSC has sponsored visits to the U.S. Capitol by Iraqi Parliamentarians so the two legislative bodies could exchange views about the future of their countries.  Many Parliamentarians and members of Congress have stated their opposition to an agreement that keeps U.S. forces in Iraq.

At the end of 2008, the current U.N. mandate allowing the United States military presence in Iraq expires. Instead of seeking another, the Bush administration has been negotiating a bilateral 'status of forces' agreement with the Iraqi executive branch.
     
Members of the U.S. and Iraq executive branches have worked to define what will happen with the U.S. troops, but neither government has commented on the agreement's details to the public.

In addition to legislators' opposition, a large part of the Iraqi public have voiced opposition to signing this agreement. Three days ago, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis demonstrated in the streets of Baghdad, asking for a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops and opposing any long-term agreements with the United States.

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The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.