Talks between Bush and Iraqi PM postponed

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-30-2006 15:04

Special Report:   Iraq in Transition

US President George W. Bush has arrived in Jordan for crisis talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

The talks, originally scheduled for Wednesday, were postponed to today (THURS). Officials from both countries have denied any link between the rescheduling and a leaked White House memo questioning Maliki's ability to lead the war-torn country.

Bush's talks with Maliki came after a Democratic Party victory in the US mid-term elections. Some say this is behind a possible shift in the Bush administration's Iraq policy.

A working dinner for US President George W. Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Wednesday was cancelled, casting a shadow on the outcome of their formal talks.

Jordanian King Abdullah has high expectations for the talks. He said earlier this week that something dramatic could come from the discussions.

Earlier in the day, King Abdullah also conducted extensive talks with Maliki and other Iraqi leaders.

Abdek Ilah Alkhateeb, the Jordanian foreign minister,said "There was an agreement between his majesty the king and the Prime Minister to continue with the Arab support, and the Jordanian and world support, to enhance the Iraqi capabilities to deal with the situation. The meeting between his majesty the king and president Bush concentrated mainly on the importance of preserving Iraqi unity."

Maliki and Bush are expected to discuss transferring more control to Iraqi security forces and the role other countries in the region could play to improve the situation in Iraq. Bush has rejected direct US talks with Iran. But he's also said it's up to Baghdad to decide on its relations with neighboring Iran and Syria.

 

Editor:Ji Xuewen