Iraq has formed a committee to assess compensation claims from people who have suffered because of US military operations since the start of this year. The formation of the committee is part of an interim security accord between Iraq and the US that was signed last November.
The accord also obliges the US to withdraw its troops from Iraqi cities by the end of this month and to withdraw all its forces from Iraq by the end of 2011.
“The cabinet formed a committee charged with receiving complaints from citizens who suffered loss or injury by coalition forces,” AFP quoted an Iraqi government statement as saying.
Under Article 21 of the agreement, both the US and Iraq agreed to “waive the right to claim compensation against the other … for any damage, loss, or destruction of property, or compensation for injuries or deaths” arising from official duties.
But US forces have agreed to “pay just and reasonable compensation in settlement of meritorious third party claims arising out of acts, omissions, or negligence”.
Claims put forward by Iraqi citizens will be reviewed under US law and regulations, and any investigation or opinion issued by Iraqi authorities will also be taken into consideration.
Filed under: Iraq, Islamic countries, Middle East
