WASHINGTON — US President Barack Obama Tuesday said it was important for Iraq's parliament to overcome delays and pass an election law, as he welcomed Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to the White House.
Obama weighed in on the proposed law after the Iraqi parliament again delayed a crucial vote on the measure, which is intended to establish a more transparent system for polls due in January.
"We have seen in the last several months a consolidation of a commitment to democratic politics inside of Iraq," Obama said, alongside Maliki who is in Washington for a landmark US-Iraq trade and investment conference.
"We are very interested, both of us, in making sure that Iraq has an election law that is completed on time so that elections can take place on time in January."
Iraqi lawmakers were again scheduled to vote on the draft law Tuesday after inconclusive talks over the bill, which would decide whether ballot papers in next year's election will show candidates' names or only party titles.
Obama reassured Maliki that the United States would meet its deadline to withdraw its troops from Iraq.
"I re-emphasized my commitment to Prime Minister Maliki that we will have our combat troops out of Iraq by August of next year, and all of our troops out of Iraq by 2011," Obama said.
To read full AFP story — Go Here Now.
|
