Written question asked by John Battle (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 June 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 20 June 2008. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Thursday, 26 June 2008 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iraq: Military Bases

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on a status of forces agreement permitting US forces to establish permanent military bases in Iraq and granting US forces immunity from Iraqi law; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The US and the Government of Iraq are currently discussing the legal basis for the presence of US military forces following the expiry of UN Security Council Resolution 1790 mandate at the end of 2008. These discussions are essentially a matter for the two countries concerned. We are following their progress closely, however, and are in discussion with coalition partners and the Government of Iraq over our own legal requirements following the end of 2008, with a view to ensuring that our military (and civilian) assistance to Iraq remains on a sound legal footing.

Secondary information