Biden in Iraq: White House

2009-09-15 16:03

Washington - US Vice President Joe Biden arrived in Iraq on Tuesday on his third trip to the country this year, for talks with top Iraqi leaders and to meet American troops, the White House said.

Biden has been assigned a special mission by President Barack Obama to keep a high-level focus on Iraq as the United States transitions to the withdrawal of all combat troops from the country by August next year.

Biden will meet President Jalal Talabani, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and other senior leaders in Baghdad, the White House said in a statement.

"He will also meet with representatives from the United Nation's mission in Iraq. Vice President Biden will convey the strong US commitment to Iraq's future and national unity," the statement said.

- SAPA