Iraqi president seeks swift signature for U.S. pact

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi President Jalal Talabani urged a swift conclusion on Thursday to a long-delayed security pact with the United States that would allow U.S. troops to stay in Iraq through 2011.

Talabani highlighted "the importance of the pact and its benefits for both countries," his office said in a statement after a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker.

"Both sides confirmed the necessity of intensifying efforts and activating communication in order to sign the deal quickly," the statement said.

The agreement, which will replace a United Nations mandate that expires at the end of the year, appeared finalized as late as last week, until Iraqi leaders said they were seeking several changes to the text. Washington is now reviewing the proposals.

The agreement will cover the length of the U.S. troop presence, legal protections for U.S. soldiers in Iraq, and other issues. Once a text is finalized, it must be sent to parliament for approval.

While the agreement is rejected by some political factions, such as those loyal to anti-American cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, minority Kurds are supporting the pact. Talabani is a Kurd.

If no deal is reached, Iraq could seek an extension of the U.N. mandate or some sort of bridge agreement until a longer-term pact can be had.

(Reporting by Missy Ryan and Waleed Ibrahim; Editing by Giles Elgood)