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September 17, 2009

US Pressures Iraq on Troop Referendum, Oil Deals
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The Obama administration is increasing pressure on the Iraqi government
to open its oilfields to foreign companies and thwart a referendum on an
early US withdrawal. In meetings with Iraqi officials Wednesday, Vice
President Joe Biden reportedly expressed his opposition to a national
referendum on whether to approve the US-Iraqi Status of Forces
Agreement, or SOFA. The agreement calls for a US withdrawal by the end
of 2011. But if Iraqis reject the timetable, US troops would be forced
to leave nearly one year earlier. The Washington Post reports Biden also
pressed Iraqi leaders on altering oil laws to allow more foreign
investment.



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