Washington's policy toward Iraq will not 'change' under the Obama administration, says Iraq's presidential cabinet chief Nusseir al-Aani.

"The US policy will not change. Changes will touch only approaches and strategies; but the aim will remain as it is. So Iraqi's reactions [to Obama's victory] are not so strong," al-Aani was quoted by Voices of Iraq as saying on Wednesday.

The Iraqi official referred to a controversial security pact between the two countries, saying Baghdad's stance over the deal will remain 'unwavering'. al-Aani further added that the talks are in the final phase.

Washington and Baghdad are currently bargaining over a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) that will set new guidelines for US military operations in Iraq after a UN mandate, which provides legal basis for their presence in the country, expires on December 30.

The pact however will not come into effect without approval of the Iraqi Parliament and has been met with fierce opposition from various Iraqi political and religious figures.

Barack Obama, defeating Republican John McCain, was elected the 44th American President on Tuesday, becoming the first African American to assume the Oval Office.

He is scheduled to be sworn in on January 20, 2009. The president-elect will have to deal with a crush of immediate challenges including the ongoing financial crisis, Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as the overhaul of US health care system.

MP/MMN