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February 10, 2009

French President Sarkozy Pledges Support to Iraq in Baghdad
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During unannounced visit to Baghdad, Mr. Sarkozy says France will
provide economic, political support to Iraq, in effort to rebuild ties
frayed by US-led invasion 
French President Nicolas Sarkozy says his country will provide economic
and political support to Iraq, in an effort to rebuild ties frayed by
the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Iraqi
President Jalal Talabani before their talks in Baghdad, 09 Feb 2009Mr.
Sarkozy made an unannounced
visit to Baghdad Tuesday - his first trip to the Middle Eastern
nation. The French leader met Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Prime
Minister Nouri al-Maliki. He told Mr. Talabani the world is in need of a
"united" and "strong" Iraq. Mr.
Sarkozy's trip is the first visit to Iraq by a French head of state
since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. France's strong opposition to the
war strained French-American relations. Mr. Sarkozy, who came to power
in 2007, has sought to improve ties. The French News Agency, AFP, says
Mr. Sarkozy also plans to visit Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman during his trip
abroad. His
arrival comes one day after Iraqi lawmakers failed yet again to elect a
parliamentary speaker, postponing debate on the country's budget.
Officials
say lawmakers plan to meet again next week to try to fill the post,
which has been vacant nearly two months because of political rivalries.
Without a speaker, parliament cannot debate or approve a new budget and
oil laws considered key to rebuilding the country. Five candidates are
vying to replace Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, who resigned in December. The
controversial Sunni politician stepped down after insulting lawmakers
during a heated debate about foreign troops in Iraq.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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