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Bush Holds Talks With Iraq's Sunni Vice President

By VOA News
12 December 2006

President Bush says he discussed with Iraq's Sunni vice president the conditions in Iraq and what the United States can do to help the Iraqi government succeed.

Mr. Bush met with Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi Tuesday at the White House.

Hashimi said Iraq is experiencing hard times, but he expressed hope that his country could overcome, what he called, its present dilemma.

Earlier today, White House press secretary Tony Snow confirmed that President Bush will make an announcement on Iraq policy in early 2007, rather than before Christmas.

Mr. Bush scheduled consecutive three days of consultations this week on Iraq.

Earlier today, he conferred by way of a video link with U.S. military commanders in Iraq. He holds consultations Wednesday at the U.S. Defense Department.

Last week, Mr. Bush got recommendations on Iraq from the bipartisan Iraq Study Group. The proposals include engaging Iran and Syria, and withdrawing most U.S. combat troops from Iraq by early 2008.

The president says he will take the recommendations from the 10-member panel seriously.

Mr. Bush has ruled out direct talks with Iran until Tehran suspends its nuclear enrichment activities. The Bush administration also has given a cool reception to the recommendation of pulling out most combat troops.

The president consulted Monday with Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other officials, as well as with three retired generals and other non-governmental experts.