The Bush administration has signed a new agreement with Iraq that could cement a long-term US occupation. The new “declaration of principles” will steer future talks on US-Iraqi ties. Officials plan to extend the UN mandate authorizing the US-led occupation for another year. A long-term bilateral agreement on US troop levels would follow. Iraqi officials told the Associated Press they foresee an enduring presence of around 50,000 US troops. Under the proposed plan, US forces would operate in permanent bases outside Iraqi cities. The Bush administration is no longer distancing itself from talk of a permanent occupation of Iraq. Deputy national security adviser Lieutenant General Douglas Lute said, “The size and shape of any long-term…presence in Iraq, will be a key matter for negotiation between…Iraq and the United States.” Monday’s agreement also calls for escalating US influence in Iraq’s economy. It calls for “facilitating and encouraging the flow of foreign investments to Iraq, especially American investments, to contribute to reconstruction and rebuilding.”