Iraq says U.S. deal may include withdrawal timetable

By Dean Yates BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki raised the prospect on Monday of setting a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops as part of negotiations over a new security deal. It was the first time the U.S.-backed Shi'ite-led government has floated the idea of fixing a timetable for the removal of American forces from Iraq. The Bush administration has always opposed setting a timetable. In a statement, Maliki's office said a memorandum of understanding could be reached covering either the departure of foreign forces or setting a timetable for their withdrawal. "The prime minister said negotiations are still continuing with the American side," the statement said, referring to talks aimed at reaching a pact to replace a U.N. mandate for the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq that expires on December... [read full story]