Meanwhile, the Iraqi Interior Ministry has drafted legislation that would revoke the immunity of private military firms operating in Iraq.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Karim Khalaf: “The Ministry of Interior has submitted legislation to the State Shura Council, and it will be passed to the Parliament. This legislation will cover everything to do with these companies. The companies will come under the grip of Iraqi law and will be monitored by the Ministry of Interior and will work under its supervision. They will be strictly punished for anything on the street, as we will put certain guidelines to the work of these companies.”

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has called the Blackwater case “a serious challenge to the sovereignty of Iraq.” White House aides say Maliki briefly discussed Blackwater in a meeting with President Bush at the U.N. on Tuesday.