Biden in Iraq: Withdrawal on track

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Biden in Iraq: Withdrawal on track

by Mark Silva and updated

Vice President Joe Biden made an unannounced landing in Iraq today for a two-day series of meetings with Iraqi leaders and U.S. troops.

The traveling pool report from the ground says that Biden "will try to reestablish contact with Iraqi leaders and try to help foster efforts at political reconciliation.''

More to come from that front.

The White House sayys Biden will meet with President Jalal Talabani, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Speaker of the Council of Representatives Ayad al-Samarrai.

"The vice president will reiterate the United States' commitment to fully implement the Security Agreement and the Strategic Framework Agreement and to carry out President Obama's plan to draw down U.S. forces,'' the vice president's office said in a statement issued today. "He will discuss with Iraq's leaders the importance of achieving the political progress that is necessary to ensure the nation's long-term stability.''

This is Biden's second trip to Iraq this year but his first as vice president. It comes as the U.S. has withdrawn its forces from Iraq's cities, leaving defenses there to Iraqi forces.

Biden was greeted at Baghdad International Airport by Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, Deputy Foreign Minister Labid Abbawi and Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of American forces there.

Friday morning, the vice president will meet and have coffee with Odierno and Ambassador Chris Hill, and get a private briefing.

Biden will meet with the United Nations assistance mission to Iraq and some representatives of non-governmental organizations as well, before meeting with the two vice presidents, Tariq al-Hashimi and Adil Mehdi, Shiite presidents, and then the speaker, Dr. Samaraie.

Then Biden will meet with prime minister al Maliki .

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