BAGHDAD, December 04, SPA -- The Iraqi Cabinet agreed Tuesday to ask the United Nations to extend the authorization for U.S.-led forces in Iraq through the end of next year, but it will be the last time, officials were quoted as saying by the Associated Press. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said last week that hisgovernment would ask the U.N. Security Council for the lasttime to renew the mandate that has given the United Statesand its partners sweeping powers in Iraq in the aftermathof the 2003 invasion. The chief government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said theCabinet had formally approved that decision. U.S. Embassy spokesman Philip Reeker welcomed the move. «This is a very positive process,» he said at a newsconference. «Iraq is increasingly able to stand on its ownbut will not have to stand alone.»--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/506111