Talabani, Crocker review local elections

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi President Jalal Talabani on Wednesday discussed with U.S. Ambassador in Baghdad Ryan Crocker the latest political developments in Iraq and the upcoming provincial council elections, scheduled next Saturday. “Talabani received Crocker on Wednesday (Jan. 28) and asserted that the provincial council elections are an important step in the political process in the country,” said a presidential statement received by IraqiNews.com news agency. On Saturday, millions of people are expected to go to the polls, with 14,000 candidates competing for 440 provincial council seats. SH (P) 1