U.S. Optimistic Iraq Will Approve Security Deal

Washington (AHN) - The Bush administration on Wednesday expressed confidence the Iraqi parliament will approve the controversial security deal that would allow American troops to stay in the region beyond 2008.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino told reporters in Washington that the Bush administration thinks the military pact is on a "good trajectory right now."

She added that the Iraqi parliament should be allowed to read and study the contents of the proposed security agreement that allows U.S. forces to remain in Iraq until 2011, and allow democracy to take its course.

Perino said the Bush administration expects the Iraqi parliament to ratify the agreement "later this week, early next week, or next week."

On Sunday, Iraq's Cabinet unanimously approved the security pact that details the conditions for American forces to stay in Iraq until Dec. 31, 2011.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Monday appeared on national television to appeal to the Iraqi parliament to approve the security pact saying the deal is crucial for the survival and defense of Iraq's sovereignty.

That nation's parliament needs to approve the pact before it could take effect.