http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_KUWAIT_US_TROOPS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-11-07-14-47-31 WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. and Kuwaiti defense officials say they have not yet reached agreement on an American proposal to station at least 4,000 additional soldiers in the Gulf nation after the U.S. military withdraws from Iraq at year's end.
It was not clear Monday whether Kuwait was thinking of rejecting the proposal or officials were simply still working their way through negotiations.
U.S. officials said privately last week that they expected Kuwait to agree to the proposal, but Sheik Jaber Al Mubarak Al Sabah, who is also defense minister, was quoted Sunday as saying there is no plan as of now to increase U.S. troop levels in the country. The official Kuwait News Agency quoted him as saying that Kuwait will be used only as a transit point for forces, including those leaving Iraq.
Kuwaiti officials could not be reached Monday to elaborate on the comments, which were mentioned as part of a lengthy statement on a variety of issues. The Pentagon said plans are still being made.