 Residents of Baghdad voiced their hopes on Wednesday for the successful implementation of a new security pact with the United States, a day before Iraq assumes control over much of the country.
Baghdad resident Ayad Ali was particularly happy about one of the pact's provisions that says US troops must not enter private homes without a judicial order.
"As was mentioned in the Iraq-US security agreement, raids should only be carried out under judicial order. Things like that please us. We hope it will actually be implemented. If a raid was carried out under a judicial order, a citizen could enjoy his rights."
Violence has fallen by more than 80 percent in Iraq, particularly Baghdad, but the US military has repeatedly said the improved security conditions remain fragile.
The new agreement, which replaces an expiring United Nations mandate, gives Iraqi authorities a role in approving and overseeing US military operations. It also requires that US troops withdraw from Baghdad and other cities by the end of June.
According to the pact, they must leave the country entirely by 1 January, 2012.
|
