Bush Meets With Talabani, Cites Progress in Iraq | Voice of America - English
U.S. President George Bush has met with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani at the White House.
The focus was on the positive as the two men met briefly with reporters at the end of their formal talks. President Bush cited progress in Iraq. "Icomplimented the president on the fact that as security has improved heand his fellow officials are reaching out to all aspects of society tohelp people realize the blessings of a free life," he said. Mr.Bush acknowledged there is still a lot of work to be done. He madespecific mention of ongoing negotiations on a strategic frameworkagreement between the United States and Baghdad that will allow U.S.forces to remain in Iraq after the end of the year, when their UnitedNations mandate expires. He said the agreement must "suit" the Iraqi government. President Talabani said he hopes a deal can be reached soon. "Weare doing our best for this strategic agreement with the United Statesof America. I think we have very good important steps towards reachingand finalizing this agreement," he said. The Iraqipresident said the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is alsofocusing on getting important laws dealing with oil and electionsthrough the legislature. He stressed fostering national unity remainsa priority. "I can say we areproud to achieve good successes in Iraq. Our economy is growing and wehave also big steps forward for national reconciliation," he added. PresidentTalabani also mentioned Iraq's efforts to improve relations with allits neighbors, including Iran and Syria. The Bush administration hascautioned that Tehran and Damascus foster terrorism in the region, buthas said repeatedly it will not stand in the way of regional diplomacyby Iraq. The meeting with Jalal Talabani was a late additionto President Bush's schedule, and was only announced on the eve of thesession at the White House. President Talabani has reportedly been inthe United States undergoing medical treatment.