U.S.- Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement & Security Agreement (2008)

Strategic Framework Agreement

The agreement was signed in Baghdad on November 17, 2008; entered into force on January 1, 2009.

The United States and the government of Iraq have negotiated two historic agreements: a Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) that covers our overall political, economic, and security relationship with Iraq, and a Security Agreement – otherwise known as the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) – that implements our security relationship.

Both agreements protect U.S. interests in the Middle East, help the Iraqi people stand on their own, and reinforce Iraqi sovereignty.

The SFA normalizes the U.S.-Iraqi relationship with strong economic, diplomatic, cultural, and security ties – and serves as the foundation for a long-term bilateral relationship based on mutual goals.

The Security Agreement guides our security relationship with Iraq and governs the U.S. presence, activities, and eventual withdrawal from Iraq. This agreement ensures vital protections for U.S. troops and provides operational authorities for our forces so we can help sustain the positive security trends as we continue to transition to a supporting role.

The Success Of The Surge And The Courage Of The Iraqi People Set The Conditions For These Historic Negotiations

The sustained security gains and increasing capacity and confidence of the Iraqi government and the Iraqi Security Forces are reasons the United States and the Iraqis were able to negotiate these agreements.

These Agreements are what our troops have been fighting for and working toward: the moment when Iraqis could begin taking responsibility for security and governance on their own – something they could not have done two years ago.

To Ensure That The Security Agreement Is Consistent With The Capacity Of Iraq’s Security Forces, The Dates Included In This Agreement Were Discussed With The Iraqis, General Petraeus, And General Odierno – They Allow For The Continued Transition Of Security Responsibilities To The Iraqis

As we further transition security responsibilities to the Iraqi Security Forces, military commanders will continue to move U.S. combat forces out of major populated areas so that they are all out by June 30, 2009.

The Security Agreement also sets a date of December 31, 2011, for all U.S. forces to withdraw from Iraq. This date reflects the increasing capacity of the Iraqi Security Forces as demonstrated in operations this year throughout Iraq, as well as an improved regional atmosphere towards Iraq, an expanding Iraqi economy, and an increasingly confident Iraqi government.

These dates therefore are based on an assessment of positive conditions on the ground and a realistic projection of when U.S. forces can reduce their presence and return home without a sacrificing the security gains made since the surge.

The Security Agreement Will Protect The United States And Our Troops And Incorporates The Visions Of An Independent And Bipartisan Commission

U.S. soldiers and civilians on the ground will continue to have uninterrupted and essential protections while serving in Iraq. Our troops will also continue to have essential operational authorities to sustain positive security trends seen in Iraq over the past year.

The Security Agreement also reflects the Baker-Hamilton Iraq Study Group’s recommendation that the Security Agreement include authorities for the United States to continue fighting al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations in Iraq, continued support for Iraqi Security Forces, and political reassurances to the government of Iraq.

These Agreements Will Advance A Stable Iraq In The Heart Of The Middle East

The SFA and Security Agreement with Iraq move us closer to the strategic vision we all hope for in the Middle East: a region of independent states, at peace with one another, fully participating in the global market of goods and ideas, and an ally in the War on Terror.

The SFA implements the Iraqi and U.S. desire for a long-term relationship based on cooperation and friendship as set out in the Declaration of Principles signed in November 2007. The SFA also includes commitments on:

Defense, security, law enforcement, and judicial cooperation and development.
Further improvement of political, diplomatic, and cultural cooperation.
Economic, energy, health, environment, technology, and communications cooperation.
Joint Coordination Committees to monitor the implementation of the SFA.

The SFA and Security Agreement do not tie the hands of the next President. This package provides a solid foundation for the next President to pursue a full range of policy options with Iraq.

The SFA And Security Agreement Are The Final Steps In Iraq’s Request For Normalized Relations

In a Communiqué issued on August 26, 2007, Iraq’s five principal political leaders – Prime Minister Maliki, President Talabani, Vice Presidents Hashimi and Abd al-Mahdi, and Kurdistan Regional Government President Barzani – requested an end to Chapter VII status under the U.N. Security Council and the establishment of a long-term relationship with the United States.

This led to the U.S.- Iraq Declaration of Principles signed on November 26, 2007, which laid out a “table of contents” that the United States and Iraq would discuss in official negotiations. Bilateral negotiations began in earnest in March 2008.

The SFA and Security Agreement, which are the result of the Communiqué and the Declaration of Principles, were approved by the Iraqi Cabinet and the Council of Representatives on November 27, 2008. On December 4, Iraq’s three-person Presidency Council endorsed the COR’s vote.

Strategic Framework Agreement for a Relationship of Friendship and Cooperation between the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq (2008)

Preamble

The United States of America and the Republic of lraq:

1. Afirming the genuine desire of the two countries to establish a long-term relationship of cooperation and friendship, based on the principle of equality in sovereignty and the rights and principles that are enshrined in the United Nations Charter and their common interests;

2. Recognizing the major and positive developments in Iraq that have taken
place subsequent to April 9, 2003; the courage of the Iraqi people in
establishing a democratically elected government under a new
constitution; and welcoming no later than December 31, 2008, the
termination of the Chapter VII authorization for and mandate of the
multinational forces in UNSCR 1790; noting that the situation in Iraq is
fundamentally different than that which existed when the UN Security
Council adopted Resolution 661 in 1990, and in particular that the threat
to international peace and security posed by the Government of Iraq no
longer exists; and affirming in that regard that Iraq should return by
December 31, 2008 to the legal and international standing that it enjoyed prior to the issuance of UNSCR 661;

3. Consistent with the Declaration of Principles for a Long-Term Relationship of Cooperation and Friendship Between the Republic of Iraq and the United States of America, which was signed on November 26, 2007;

4. Recognizing both countries’ desire to establish a long-term relationship, the need to support the success of the political process, reinforce national reconciliation within the framework of a unified and federal Iraq, and to build a diversified and advanced economy that ensures the integration of Iraq into the international community; and

5. Reaffirming that such a long-term relationship in economic, diplomatic, cultural and security fields will contribute to the strengthening and development of democracy in Iraq, as well as ensuring that Iraq will assume full responsibility for its security, the safety of its people, and maintaining peace within Iraq and among the countries of the region.

Have agreed to the following:

Section 1: Principles of Cooperation

This Agreement is based on a number of general principles to establish the course of the future relationship between the two countries as follows:

1. A relationship of friendship and cooperation is based on mutual respect; recognized principles and norms of international law and fulfillment of international obligations; the principle of non-interference in internal affairs; and rejection of the use ofviolence to settle disputes.

2. A strong Iraq capable of self-defense is essential for achieving stability in the regwn.

3. The temporary presence of U.S. forces in Iraq is at the request and invitation of the sovereign Government of Iraq and with full respect for the sovereignty of Iraq.

4. The United States shall not use Iraqi land, sea, and air as a launching or transit point for attacks against other countries; nor seek or request permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq.

Section II: Political and Diplomatic Cooperation

The Parties share a common understanding that their mutual efforts and cooperation on political and diplomatic issues shall improve and strengthen security and stability in Iraq and the region. In this regard, the United States shall ensure maximum efforts to work with and through the democratically elected Government of Iraq to:

1. Support and strengthen Iraq’s democracy and its democratic institutions as defined and established in the Iraqi Constitution, and in so doing, enhance Iraq’s capability to protect these institutions against all internal and external threats.

2. Support and enhance Iraq’s status in regional and international organizations and institutions so that it may play a positive and constructive role in the international community.

3. Support the Government of Iraq in establishing positive relations with the states of the region, including on issues consequent to the actions of the former regime that continue to harm Iraq, based on mutual respect and the principles of non-interference and positive dialogue among states, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, without the use of force or violence, in a manner that enhances the security and stability of the region and the prosperity of its peoples.

Section III: Defense and Security Cooperation

In order to strengthen security and stability in Iraq, and thereby contribute to international peace and stability, and to enhance the ability of the Republic oflraq to deter all threats against its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, the Parties shall continue to foster close cooperation concerning defense and security arrangements without prejudice to Iraqi sovereignty over its land, sea, and air territory. Such security and defense cooperation shall be undertaken pursuant to the Agreement Between the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq on the Withdrawal of United States Forces from Iraq and the Organization of Their Activities during Their Temporary Presence in Iraq.

Section IV: Cultural Cooperation

The Parties share the conviction that connections between their citizens, forged through cultural exchanges, educational links and the exploration of their common archeological heritage will forge strong, long lasting bonds of friendship and mutual respect. To that end, the Parties agree to cooperate to:

1. Promote cultural and social exchanges and facilitate cultural activities, such as Citizens Exchanges, the Youth Exchange and Study Program, the Global Connections and Exchange (GCE) program, and the English Language Teaching and Learning program.

2. Promote and facilitate cooperation and coordination in the field of higher education and scientific research, as well as encouraging investment in education, including through the establishment of universities and affiliations between Iraqi and American social and academic institutions such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) agricultural
extension program.

3. Strengthen the development of lraq’s future leaders, through exchanges,
training programs, and fellowships, such as the Fulbright program and the
International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), in fields including
science, engineering, medicine, information technology, telecommunications, public administration, and strategic planning.

4. Strengthen and facilitate the application process for U.S visas consistent with U.S. laws and procedures, to enhance the participation of qualified Iraqi individuals in scientific, educational, and cultural activities.

5. Promote Iraq’s efforts in the field of social welfare and human rights.

6. Promote Iraqi efforts and contributions to international efforts to preserve
Iraqi cultural heritage and protect archeological antiquities, rehabilitate
Iraqi museums, and assist Iraq in recovering and restoring its smuggled
artifacts through projects such as the Future of Babylon Project, and measures taken pursuant to the U.S. Emergency Protection for Iraqi Cultural Antiquities Act of 2004.

Section V: Economic and Energy Cooperation

Building a prosperous, diversified, growing economy in Iraq, integrated in the global
economic system, capable of meeting the essential service needs of the Iraqi people, as
well as welcoming home Iraqi citizens currently dwelling outside of the country, will
require unprecedented capital investment in reconstruction, the development of Iraq’s
extraordinary natural and human resources, and the integration of Iraq into the
international economy and its institutions. To that end the Parties agree to cooperate to:

1. Support Iraq’s efforts to invest its resources towards economic development,
sustainable development and investment in projects that improve the basic
services for the Iraqi people.

2. Maintain active bilateral dialogue on measures to increase Iraq’s development,
including through the Dialogue on Economic Cooperation (DEC) and, upon
entry into force, the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.

3. Promote expansion of bilateral trade through the U.S.-Iraq Business Dialogue, as well as bilateral exchanges, such as trade promotion activities and access to Export-Import Bank programs.

4. Support Iraq’s further integration into regional and international financial and economic communities and institutions, including membership in the World Trade Organization and through continued Normal Trade Relations with the United States.

5. Reinforce international efforts to develop the Iraqi economy and Iraqi efforts to reconstruct, rehabilitate, and maintain its economic infrastructure, including continuing cooperation with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.

6. Urge all parties to abide by commitments made under the International Compact with Iraq with the goal of rehabilitating Iraq’s economic institutions and increasing economic growth through the implementation of reforms that lay the foundation for private sector development and job creation.

7. Facilitate the flow of direct investment into Iraq to contribute to the reconstruction and development of its economy.

8. Promote Iraq’s development of the Iraqi electricity, oil, and gas sector, including the rehabilitation of vital facilities and institutions and strengthening and rehabilitating Iraqi capabilities.

9. Work with the international community to help locate and reclaim illegally exported funds and properties of Saddam Hussein’s family and key members of his regime, as well as its smuggled archeological artifacts and cultural heritage before and after April 9, 2003.

10. Encourage the creation of a positive investment environment to modernize
Iraq’s private industrial sector to enhance growth and expand industrial
production including through encouraging networking with U.S. industrial
institutions.

11. Encourage development in the fields of air, land, and sea transportation as well
as rehabilitation of Iraqi ports and enhancement of maritime trade between the
Parties, including by facilitating cooperation with the U.S. Federal Highway
Administration.

12. Maintain an active dialogue on agricultural issues to help Iraq develop its domestic agricultural production and trade policies.

13. Promote access to programs that increase farm, firm, and marketing
productivity to generate higher incomes and expanded employment, building
on successful programs by the USDA and the USAID programs in
agribusiness, agriculture extension, and policy engagement.

14. Encourage increased Iraqi agricultural exports, including through policy engagement and encouraging education oflraqi exporters on U.S. health and safety regulations.

Section VI: Health and Environmental Cooperation

In order to improve the health of the citizens of Iraq, as well as protect and improve
the extraordinary natural environment of the historic Lands of the Two Rivers, the

Parties agree to cooperate to:

1. Support and strengthen Iraq’s efforts to build its health infrastructure and to strengthen health systems and networks.

2. Support Iraq’s efforts to train health and medical cadres and staff.

3. Maintain dialogue on health policy issues to support Iraq’s long-term development. Topics may include controlling the spread of infectious diseases, preventative and mental health, tertiary care, and increasing the efficiency of Iraq’s medicine procurement system.

4. Encourage Iraqi and international investment in the health field, and facilitate specialized professional exchanges in order to promote the transfer of expertise and to help foster relationships between medical and health institutions building on existing programs with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including its Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.

5. Encourage Iraqi efforts to strengthen mechanisms for protecting, preserving, improving, and developing the Iraqi environment and encouraging regional and international environmental cooperation.

Section VII: Information Technology and Communications Cooperation

Communications are the lifeblood of economic growth in the twenty-first century, as well as the foundation for the enhancement of democracy and civil society. In order to improve access to information and promote the development of a modem and state of the art communications industry in Iraq, the Parties agree to cooperate to:

1. Support the exchange of information and best practices in the fields of regulating telecommunications services and the development of information technology policies.

2. Exchange views and practices relating to liberalizing information technologies and telecommunications services markets, and the strengthening of an independent regulator.

3. Promote active Iraqi participation in the meetings and initiatives of the Internet Governance Forum, including its next global meetings.

Section VIII: Law Enforcement and Judicial Cooperation

The Parties agree to cooperate to:

1. Support the further integration and security of the Iraqi criminal justice system, including police, courts, and prisons.

2. Exchange views and best practices related to judicial capacity building and training, including on continuing professional development for judges, judicial investigators, judicial security personnel, and court administrative staff.

3. Enhance law enforcement and judicial relationships to address corruption, and common transnational criminal threats, such as terrorism, trafficking in persons, organized crime, drugs, money laundering, smuggling of archeological artifacts, and cybercrime.

Section IX: Joint Committees

1. The Parties shall establish a Higher Coordinating Committee (HCC) to monitor the overall implementation of the Agreement and develop the agreed-upon objectives. The committee shall meet periodically and may include representatives from relevant departments and ministries.

2. The Parties shall seek to establish additional Joint Coordination Committees (JCCs), as necessary, responsible for executing and overseeing this Agreement. The JCCs will report to the HCC and are to:

a. Monitor implementation and consult regularly to promote the most effective implementation of this Agreement and to assist in dispute resolution as necessary;

b. Propose new cooperation projects and carry out discussions and negotiations as necessary to reach an agreement about details of such cooperation; and

c. Include other governmental departments and ministries for broader coordination from time to time, with meetings in Iraq and the United States, as appropriate.

3. Disputes that may arise under this Agreement, if not resolved within the relevant JCC, and not amenable to resolution within the HCC, are to be settled through diplomatic channels.

Section X: Implementing Agreements and Arrangements

The Parties may enter into further agreements or arrangements as necessary and appropriate to implement this Agreement.

Section XI: Final Provisions

1. This Agreement shall enter into force on January 1, 2009, following an exchange of diplomatic notes confirming that the actions by the Parties necessary to bring the Agreement into force in accordance with the respective constitutional procedures in effect in both countries have been completed.

2. This Agreement shall remain in force unless either Party provides written notice to the other of its intent to terminate this Agreement. The termination shall be effective one year after the date of such notification.

3. This Agreement may be amended with the mutual written agreement of the Parties and in accordance with the constitutional procedures in effect in both countries.

4. All cooperation under this Agreement shall be subject to the laws and regulations of both countries.

Signed in duplicate in Baghdad on this 1st day of November 2008, in the English and Arabic language, each text being equally authentic.

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