War Every Day (eIraq Blog): "The Iraqi judicial system should have jurisdiction over the American soldier. This is the point of difference."

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War Every Day (eIraq Blog)
"The Iraqi judicial system should have jurisdiction over the American soldier. This is the point of difference."

Jeff Severns Guntzel, Electronic Iraq

Oct 13, 2008

The Times of London has published the transcript of their long interview with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Here's what he said about the "Status of Forces Agreement" between Iraq and the United States:

Q: Do you think that the "Status of Forces Agreement" between Iraq and America will be decided by the end of the year?

A: The agreement is important to us and necessary and signing it before the expiry of the international resolution that covers the legal side for the presence of the coalition forces on December 31, 2008.

Q: Is the biggest obstacle America's demand for immunity for its forces when they are not on duty?

A: The sticking point is about if the American soldier was not on a mission and commits a crime that is accountable to the Iraqi judicial system, whether small or big. The Iraqi judicial system should have jurisdiction over the American soldier. This is the point of difference.

Q: If the issue of immunity is not resolved how concerned are you that the treaty will not be signed by the end of the year?

A: Definitely if the Parliament rejects it then we will have to go to the United Nations which is a not a great choice for us or the Americans under the circumstances of the crisis at the Security Council.

Q: Do you enjoy this job?

A: Never.

Q: What do you do for entertainment or relaxing?

A: Entertainment is rare in our lives in Iraq. I only do some light sports.

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