Concession could help vote on U.S. presence in Iraq

BAGHDAD (AP) There's a key concession ahead of today's vote in Iraq's parliament on a U.S.-Iraqi security pact.

Iraq's ruling Shiite and Kurdish blocs made the concession to Sunni Arab legislators in hopes of securing a big majority in the crucial vote.

The proposed deal would let American troops stay in Iraq through 2011, meeting a longtime Iraqi demand for a clear timetable for their exit.

But the intensity of political maneuvering contributed to deep uncertainty about the outcome.

Extra security is in place around the parliament building and the Green Zone entrance leading to it.

A Shiite lawmaker says the concession involves a willingness to hold a national referendum on the deal in 2009. Sunni Arab legislators have said they would support the security pact today if it was put to a nationwide vote next year.

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