US, Iraqi negotiators agree on 2011 withdrawal

Baghdad, Aug. 22 : American and Iraqi negotiators have agreed to the withdrawal of all U.S. combat forces from the country by the end of 2011.

According to the Washington Post, Iraqi officials also said they are "very close" to resolving the remaining issues blocking a final accord that governs the future American military presence here.

Iraqi and U.S. officials said several difficult issues remain, including whether U.S. troops will be subject to Iraqi law if accused of committing crimes.

"We have a text," Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said after a daylong visit Thursday by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Rice and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki spent nearly three hours here discussing key undecided issues.

The accord must be completed and approved by both governments before a United Nations mandate expires at the end of the year.

ANI