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The first step in Iraq’s true independence - new pacts governing the mission of international troops replaced a U.N. mandate
The U.S. military formally handed authority over Baghdad's "Green Zone" to Iraqis on Thursday. Iraqi troops took over checkpoints around the heavily protected district, formally known as the International Zone, which houses Iraqi government offices and the U.S. Embassy. It is part of the new pact governing the mission of international troops that replaced a U.N. mandate.
"This day is a great day in the history of the Iraqi people," Iraqi military spokesman Maj. Gen. Qassim Atta said gazing at the Saddam Hussein's Republican Palace, which served as U.S. headquarters in Baghdad after the 2003 invasion that ousted Iraq's longtime strongman, and was among the facilities handed over in Thursday's ceremony.
Thursday marked the first day of a U.S.-Iraqi pact that allows U.S. forces to remain in the country until 2011, under tighter restrictions. The agreement authorizes the "temporary assistance" of U.S. forces but severely restricts their role. It requires Iraqi approval for all military operations and gives Iraqi courts the right to try U.S. troops and contractors for "grave premeditated felonies."
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