Gates warns of consequences on security deal

US warnings are ongoing of serious consequences if the security agreement is not concluded fast while the White House is still awaiting changes to the security agreement requested by the Iraqi Government.
In an escalating US stand, US Defense Secretary Robert GatesDefense Secretary Robert Gates warned of “pretty dramatic” consequences of not having an accord governing the presence of US troops in Iraq. Gates has raised great reservation on amending the final draft of the agreement.
“The consequences of not having a SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) and of not having a renewed UN authorization are pretty dramatic in terms of consequences for our actions. Clearly, the clock is ticking,” said Gates.
According to Gates there are “only two alternatives: the SOFA or a renewed UN mandate, and going back to the UN at this point there is no assurance that you get a clean rollover.” Gates has shown a great deal of reservation on amending the final draft of the agreement warning that Washington is about to slam the door shot on diplomatic negotiations.
Meanwhile, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael MullenMichael Mullen warned of abstaining to sign the security agreement affirming that Iraqis realize the alarming situation in their country while he charged Iran of working to hinder the agreement. He added that US Diplomats and senior military chiefs in Iraq have taken pains to reach this final draft.
As for the White House, it stated in the name of spokeswoman Dana PerinoDana Perino that the US administration is relieved about the process of the security agreement so far noting that it is one of the most complicated deals. US State Department refused to comment on the request of the Iraqi Government to make changes to the security agreement awaiting Baghdad to notify the US Administration officially thereof.
Some items of the security agreement were protested by certain political powers as members of the Accordance Front and the Coalition party said some items were unjust noting that the Parliament will not pass the present draft.
However, members of Kurdistan Alliance Party said signing the security agreement will remove Iraq from Chapter VII.

Source: www.alsumaria.tv