Iraq says won't be bullied into inking US agreement

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraq warned on Wednesday it would not be bullied into signing a security pact with the United States despite US leaders warning of potentially dire consequences if it failed to approve the deal.

Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh lashed out at US military chief Admiral Michael Mullen for saying that Baghdad risked significant losses if an agreement is not concluded to keep American forces in the country beyond 2008.

“It is not correct to force Iraqis into making a choice and it is not appropriate to talk with the Iraqis in this way,” Dabbagh said.

To the apparent frustration of the Americans, the Iraqi cabinet decided on Tuesday to seek changes in the pact after months of tough negotiations between Baghdad and Washington.