Jeffrey: “Iraq and the U.S. have strong relationship”

The Iraqi President, Jalal Talabani, announced that political faction leaders will hold an important meeting next week to agree on how to resolve outstanding issues, and move on to a new phase. He also emphasized the need to develop relations with the United States through the agreement signed by the two countries, while the new U.S. ambassador emphasized his country's readiness to support the political process in Iraq, and to contribute to the achievement of security and stability. In a statement regarding his meeting in Baghdad with U.S. Ambassador James Jeffrey, and the commander of the U.S. forces, General Lloyd Austin, along with a number of other members of the embassy, Talabani said: "The recent meeting held by the leaders of the political factions saw the discussion of the Iraqi scene, and the development of solutions to outstanding issues…The faction leaders affirmed their commitment to past agreements, including the convention on the Barzani’s April initiative. Talabani added: "The leaders of the political factions will hold an important meeting next week to agree upon and resolve difficult issues, and to progress to a new phase and continue providing essential services to enhance the provision of security and stability." The president stated: "Iraq and the United States have a strong relationship, and they can be strengthened further through the strategic agreement signed by both countries, which covers all areas, including the economy, trade, science, the training of the Iraqi armed forces, and their equipment with modern technology.” For his part, Jeffrey praised President Jalal Talabani's efforts in helping the political factions to reach practical solutions to end the current crisis. He said that he "wished Talabani success and good luck in his quest to deliver Iraq and its people to safety." The new U.S. ambassador emphasized his country's support for the ongoing political process, democracy, the people of Iraq, and their government. He also pointed to the desire of the U.S. to strengthen ties with Iraq "in all fields" stressing that his country was "interested in the security and stability of Iraq."