Parties from the pro-Iran Coordination Framework have demanded that Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani kick off negotiations to amend the Strategic Framework Agreement for a Relationship of Friendship and Cooperation between Baghdad and Washington, trusted Iraqi sources revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat.
The amendments would demand a ban on American drone flights and the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq.
The sources said Sudani has received signals from the American administration of its “serious intent” to bolster ties with Baghdad and develop the strategic agreement.
Such a move would place Sudani in a “fierce confrontation” with the Shiite parties that oppose American presence in Iraq.
Independent MP Mustafa al-Sanad had previously revealed that the US had requested Sudani’s presence in Washington to complete agreements struck with the former government.
A political source close to the Coordination Framework told Asharq Al-Awsat that Shiite parties had recently underscored to Sudani the fundamentals of Iraq’s security and interests.
At the top of their demands was barring flights of American drones and the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, including the Kurdistan region.
The source said the Shiite proposals went against Sudani’s efforts to maintain Iraq’s balanced ties with the US and Iran.
Last week, Asharq Al-Awsat revealed that the Coordination Framework was divided over claims that Sudani was developing relations with American officials, including Ambassador Alina Romanowski. Some parties were alarmed by the rapprochement.
A member of the Framework, Turki al-Otaibi had said Washington was using the strategic agreement with Iraq as a cover for its continued drone flights over the country, reported local media.
Moreover, he accused Washington of committing major economic and financial violations in Iraq.
