News | 05.12.2007 | 12:00 UTC /d.welle

News | 05.12.2007 | 12:00 UTC

US defence secretary on surprise visit to Iraq

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has arrived in Iraq on an unannounced visit to push Iraqi leaders towards faster reconciliation amid a decline in violence. He is scheduled to meet President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to discuss whether the Shi'ite-led government can reconcile with disaffected Sunni Arabs and quickly pass key legislation aimed at boosting harmony between the communities. Gates will also meet US commanders to talk about how to maintain improvements in security. The visit comes days after US President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Maliki agreed on US military presence in Iraq that would go beyond 2008. Meanwhile, kidnappers holding five British hostages in Iraq since May have released a video threatening to kill one man unless Britain withdraws its troops.

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