Feb 15, 2007 (WASHINGTON) --The U.S. has reached an agreement with Chad that opens the way for grant military transfers to that country along with surplus U.S. defense equipment.

Chad had been barred from receiving such transfers. The prohibition applies to countries unwilling to exempt U.S. citizens from possible International Criminal Court prosecutions.

Under the agreement, the ICC will not be authorized to take legal action against U.S. citizens on Chadian soil.

Chad's changed status was disclosed Thursday in a note from U.S. President George W. Bush to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

The agreement comes amid increasing tensions between Chad and Sudan.

Sudan has rejected allegations it is backing cross-border attacks by insurgents from Chad and the Central African Republic. Sudan says Chad and the CAR support rebels in Darfur.

(AP)