Bush, Iraqi VP discuss SOFA items

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Vice President Adel Abdelmahdi discussed in a phone call with U.S. President George W. Bush means to activate the items of the security pact as well as the future of relations between the two countries. Bush “voiced the United States’ full support in order to preserve and further the achievements made, wishing more progress and prosperity for the Iraqis,” according to a statement by Abdelmahdi’s office as received by IraqiNews.com. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani had received a phone call from Bush at his residence in Sulaimaniya on Thursday after the Iraqi Presidential Board (PB) endorsed the long-term security pact with Washington, also known as the status of forces agreement (SOFA). On November 27, the Iraqi parliament had passed SOFA and a political reform document that was signed by key political blocs. AmR (P) 1