Iraqi Cabinet agrees changes to US security deal

Iraq's Cabinet agreed yesterday on amendments that it would propose to a deal allowing US troops to stay in the country, the government's spokesman said, adding the changes would cover the pact's substance as well as wording.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki "has been authorized to put forward the amended version to the Americans," Ali al-Dabbagh said after yesterday's Cabinet meeting had concluded.

Asked if the amendments were to the wording, Dabbagh said, "Wording yes and some to the content."