WASHINGTON
American Vice President Joe Biden spoke by phone with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki Wednesday regarding recent developments in Iraq.
“The Vice President encouraged the Prime Minister to continue the Iraqi government’s outreach to local, tribal, and national leaders and welcomed the Council of Ministers’ decision to extend state benefits to tribal forces killed or injured in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL),” according to a readout of the call provided by the White House.
The American Vice-President also “welcomed” Maliki’s commitment to hold upcoming elections on schedule, and Maliki's effort to ensure that humanitarian aid is reaching those in need.
Iraqi forces have clashed with fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and al Sham (ISIS) in recent days in the western province of al Anbar. Fighting has been particularly fierce in Fallujah and Ramadi.
Maliki updated Biden on the conflict with ISIS as well as “a series of political initiatives that are underway at the local and national level,” said the statement.
Biden reiterated America’s support for Iraq in its battle "against international terrorism".
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