Talabani, U.S. amb. tackle political challenges

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and a U.S. delegation under Ambassador Ryan Crocker discussed the political scene and challenges posing before the country’s political process, according to a presidential statement on Sunday. “Talabani received in his residence in Baghdad today Crocker, U.S. diplomat David Satterfield and some U.S. embassy in Iraq staff and dealt with issues of mutual interest and means to bolster Iraqi-U.S. relations,” read the statement as received by IraqiNews.com. “The two sides underlined the importance of the strategic agreement, currently under negotiation, in a way guaranteeing Iraq ‘s national sovereignty and contributing to deepening strong ties at all levels between the two countries,” it added. Iraq and the United States are currently negotiating a security deal that should determine the future of U.S. forces in Iraq . Talabani, the statement noted, reviewed the course of Iraq ‘s political process and challenges ahead. AmR (P) 1