U.S. Counters Iraqi Changes to SOFA Deal

Nov. 6, 2008 — -- The United States has formally responded to Iraq's proposals for changes to a draft deal that will govern American forces in Iraq and that sets a date for their withdrawal -- agreeing to some suggestions, but balking at an Iraqi bid for more criminal jurisdiction over U.S. troops, sources say.

"It's now the Iraqis' turn for them to move the document through their internal political process," State Department deputy spokesman Robert Wood said.

The two sides thought they had a deal several weeks ago, but Iraq's cabinet rejected the draft and proposed changes, infuriating the American negotiators, according to U.S. officials.

"We've discussed this agreement with the Iraqis over a period of time. And we've responded in good faith to a number of their concerns," Wood said today.

"The process has, on our side, has been concluded," he added -- though sources told ABC News his remarks do not represent an ultimatum.

Time, however, is running short. The so-called Status of Forces Agreement is to replace a United Nations mandate that authorizes the U.S. troops' presence in Iraq.

The U.N. mandate expires at the end of the year. If the SOFA is not completed soon, the United States will have to abandon that plan and seek an extension of the U.N. mandate, something both sides have said they do not want.

Spokesmen for the White House, State Department and Pentagon refused to disclose the content of the draft deal or the U.S. response to the proposed changes.

"We have addressed the issues in a way that respects the sovereignty on both sides," Wood told reporters.

But U.S. officials tell ABC News that the U.S. accepted several Iraqi proposals, rejected another and proposed a compromise on yet another.

Among the accepted proposals, the Iraqis will be allowed to screen U.S. military mail sent to Iraq. The United States also agreed to change the name of the deal to "Agreement on Complete U.S. Withdrawal from Iraq," according to a U.S. official.