Minister says Maliki’s Moscow visit was “success”

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Defense Minister Abdulqadir al-Obeidi described Premier Nouri al-Maliki’s recent visit to Moscow as “a complete success.” In statements to a Russian channel, Obeidi said that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as well as key political and military officials were highly responsive during their meetings with the Iraqi delegation. When asked about military deals with the Russians, Obeidi said that it was not possible to sign military deals “during such a short visit.” On Thursday (April 9), Maliki led a high-ranking delegation on a two-day visit to Moscow as part of a tour that also includes Paris and London. SS (P) 1