'Sistani not opposed to security deal with the US'

Iraq's Grand Ayatollah Sistani will not oppose a security deal with the US if it is approved by constitutional institutions, Maliki says.

After meeting with Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali al-Sistani in the shrine city of Najaf, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said the most influential Iraqi cleric believed the security agreement was the responsibility of 'the Iraqis and the political groups' and that he would not raise any objections to a deal drawn up by official and state Institutions.

"He does not want anything forced or imposed on the Iraqi people. Rather he wants it to be done through the institutions," Maliki said.

"If the government and the parliament approve this, then the Seyyed (al-Sistani) will be convinced that is what the Iraqi people have decided," he underscored.

According to Maliki the Shia Muslim leader insists that 'all the components' of Iraqi people should participate in the decision and in 'resolving this matter through constitutional institutions'.

Meanwhile, Iraqi and US officials are reporting advancements toward an agreement to replace the UN mandate for American forces in Iraq, which expires on December 31.

The long-term security deal, once due to be signed by the end of July, faced vehement opposition from Iraqi politicians and leaders over a number of issues including legal jurisdiction and immunity for US troops.

The opponents to the agreement, also known as SOFA, cited fears that such a pact would undermine the country's sovereignty and propel the nation into slavery.More

Saudi, Iraq exchange prisoners

US assassinates SOFA opponents'

Turkish planes pound 21 PKK targets