The issue of a long-term US military presence in Iraq remains controversial [AFP]

Speaking on Wednesday after talks with George Bush, his US counterpart, Jalal Talabani said both sides had made "very good, important steps towards reaching ... this agreement".

Bush said the pair also discussed efforts to reduce violence in Iraq, saying the US recognised "there's still a lot of work to be done".

Illustrating that point, roadside bombs in Iraq's capital left four US soldiers dead over the last two days.

The latest attacks bring to 10 the number of Americans who have been killed in Iraq in the past week.

And US forces have been accused of killing Iraqi civilians in three separate attacks over the last two weeks.

Witnesses said American soldiers entered homes overnight and killed whole families, including children, while the US military said troops were forced to respond against "terrorists".

Security deal

The two countries are negotiating a new security deal after a United Nations mandate expires on December 31, along with a separate long-term agreement on political, economic and other security ties.

US and Iraqi officials say they hope to finalise the deal by late June or July

The State of Forces Agreement (Sofa) has led to protests in Iraq after media reports said the US was demanding immunity for military contractors and that the deal provided for the presence of up to 50 permanent military bases in the nation - reports later denied by US officials.

Recommend this article...

Did you enjoy this article? Please bookmark it onto: