Iraq awaits US response on security pact

BAGHDAD -- Iraq is waiting for the US response on the bilateral security pact, said Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference in Najaf city southern Iraq, Saleh said after meeting with Supreme Shiite cleric Ali Sistani that the deal was at its final stages and Iraq has submitted a few notes on the subject.

Iraq is waiting for the response from the US side, stated the official, adding that the US reactions would be forwarded to Iraqi official for discussion and then referred to the parliament for voting.

He affirmed that Iraq must have a unified stance toward the matter before any agreement could be finalized with Washington. According to Saleh, Sistani expressed support to the Iraq government efforts to ensure the interests of Iraqis.