President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki delivered these remarks in Washington, DC

President Obama. Good afternoon, everybody. I am very pleased to welcome Prime Minister al Maliki back to Washington. We've just concluded a very productive discussion about a wide range of issues.

We meet at an important moment. Substantial progress has been made since Prime Minister Maliki's first visit to Washington in 2006, and since the Prime Minister and I had a chance to sit down together in Baghdad. Violence continues to be down, and Iraqis are taking responsibility for their future. This progress has been made possible by the resilience of the Iraqi people and security forces, and also because of the extraordinary service of American troops and civilians in Iraq.

Now we're in the midst of a full transition to Iraqi responsibility, and to a comprehensive partnership between the United States and Iraq based on mutual interests and mutual respect. The success of this transition is critically important to the security and prosperity of our people, and it is a top priority of my administration.

Recently, we took an important step forward by transferring control of all Iraqi cities and towns to Iraq's security forces. This transition was part of our security agreement, and should send an unmistakable signal that we will keep our commitments with the sovereign Iraqi government. As I said before, we seek no bases in Iraq, nor do we make any claim on Iraq's territory or resources.

Going forward, we will continue to provide training and support for Iraqi security forces that are capable and nonsectarian. We'll move forward with our strategy to responsibly remove all American combat brigades from Iraq by the end of next August, and to fulfill our commitment to remove all American troops from Iraq by the end of 2011.

As we move forward, Prime Minister Maliki and I have no doubt that there will be some tough days ahead. There will be attacks on Iraqi security forces and the American troops supporting them. There are still those in Iraq who would murder innocent men, women and children. There are still those who want to foment sectarian conflict. But make no mistake: Those efforts will fail.

The Iraqi people have already rejected these forces of division and destruction. And American troops have the capability, the support and flexibility they need to stand with our Iraqi partners on behalf of a sovereign, secure, and self-reliant Iraq. Because we believe that the future does not belong to those who would destroy— it belongs to those who would build.

To that end, America strongly supports efforts by the Iraqi government to promote national unity, which will help ensure that people in all parts of Iraq can live in peace and prosperity. Prime Minister Maliki and I discussed issues like the hydrocarbons law and disputed internal boundaries that will be fundamental to the future of a united Iraq. I reiterated my belief that Iraq will be more secure and more successful if there is a place for all Iraqis citizens to thrive, including all of Iraq's ethnic and religious groups. That's why America continues to support efforts to integrate all Iraqis into Iraq's government and security forces, and we have increased our assistance to help displaced Iraqis return to their homes.

Prime Minister Maliki and I also agreed to build a broader basis for cooperation between our nations. The United States and Iraq have known difficult times together. Now both of us agree that the bonds forged between Americans and Iraqis in war can pave the way for progress that can be forged in peace.

The Strategic Framework Agreement agreed to last year helps lay the groundwork for this progress. America stands ready to help the Iraqi government build their capacity to provide basic services and to promote the rule of law. And together, Americans and Iraqis can expand economic cooperation and trade that opens new doors of opportunity. Together, we can broaden our educational, our cultural, and scientific engagement to make a positive difference in the lives of our people. And together, we can take steps to advance security and prosperity throughout the region, and around the globe. And Prime Minister Maliki and I are both deeply humbled by the sacrifices that have been made by Iraqis and Americans to create this opportunity.

There are many important meetings that will take place over the course of the Prime Minister's visit. I am especially pleased that he intends to visit Arlington National Cemetery. That hallowed ground is the final resting place for so many young Americans who have paid the ultimate price to help forge this hard-earned progress. They've set an example of selfless sacrifice that all of us must strive to meet, as do the Americans serving in Iraq today. And I want to thank Ambassador Chris Hill, who's here, and is doing outstanding work. Under the most difficult circumstances imaginable, they have completed every mission they've been given, and they have forged countless partnerships and friendships with the Iraqi people.

I know that this story is one that can be told by people in both our countries, and that the Iraqi people have endured extraordinary hardship in their pursuit of a brighter day. So many Iraqis and Americans have made so many sacrifices on behalf of a better future. Now, as we work to end this war and to look beyond it, we must live up to their example and live up to our own responsibilities to see that their legacy is truly one of greater peace and prosperity.

I thank you. And with that, I'd like to welcome Prime Minister Maliki and give him the opportunity for some remarks.

Prime Minister Maliki. In the name of God, the most merciful, the compassionate, thank you. I thank the President of the United States, Mr. Obama, for your warm hospitality, and regarding all the issues that related to the positive relationship as well as the aspiration to deepen that relationship.

My meeting with the President was a positive and constructive meeting. It reflected the deep conviction on the part of both sides to establish a strategic friendship and in order to continue the successes that we have achieved, and perhaps we referred to the security successes that led to the stability in Iraq.

We have also referred to the sacrifices by our sons and daughters on both sides to confront al Qaeda members, those who are outlawed and those who voice sectarian wars. If they succeeded in their efforts, they would not have been killing only Iraq but the entire region through the danger of sectarianism.

Our sons and daughters succeeded on both sides, which led to stability and the return of the strength of the Iraqi government under full sovereignty.

And among the things that we can refer to in a positive way is the positive commitment in following up with the commitments that were signed by both sides, either those are related to the status of forces, or those are related to the Strategic Framework Agreement that will govern the relationship in the future.

I have discussed today with President Obama about ways in order to activate the strategic relationship on the economic front, cultural front, educational front, commercial front, and in every possible area where the United States can play a role in supporting the Iraqi government, and the efforts of the Iraqi government to build a state of law, a state based on constitution and federalism that works for the aspiration of its own people, using the wealth of that country and that nation.

We are about to activate such a Strategic Framework Agreement. Efforts on both sides are there in order also to convene an investment conference in October of this year that will combine all foreign investors and all companies that would like and wish to work in Iraq.

All of this comes as a natural reaction to the stability and to the direction of the Iraqi National Unity government to provide what is needed for rebuilding, reconstruction of a country that was destroyed by wars, by dictatorship, and by adventures—affected its infrastructure, affected the services that should have gone to the Iraqi people. Therefore, the relationship between the two sides as it did see and witness progress on the security front and in combating terror, it will see great cooperation in the areas of economic, commercial, and cultural activities.

Our forces, as it proves its success overall and as it proves when it received the security file, that these forces proved to be capable of performing. And those who thought that the Iraqi forces, if the American forces can leave, will be incapable of imposing peace and security, these people proved to be wrong. Our forces benefitted from working closely with the American forces and the multinational forces. Our forces became now highly capable and they will continue to do their role and their part to provide the opportunity needed for reconstruction, rebuilding, and developing Iraq.

Iraq has suffered a great deal from being marginalized, from the policies of sectarianism, and from wars. We will work very hard in order not to allow any sectarian behavior an opportunity to flourish. We will work on a national plan where all sons of Iraq and all daughters of Iraq are equal in their contribution and in their services. They will be unified by Iraq; they will not be divided by other elements. We will strengthen the relationship between the people of Iraq.

This is the direction of the Iraqi National Unity government and that made us work very closely in meeting all the challenges that we are facing. It helped us on the security front. It will help us in reconstruction. And we will benefit from the strategic relationship with the United States. Thank you very much.

President Obama. Mark Smith of AP Radio.

Q. Thanks, Mr. President. I'd like to ask about the flexibility that you spoke about that you said U.S. forces still have in Iraq. Since the handover of control of the cities, the Iraqi government has imposed new limits on how U.S. troops can operate. They can't patrol on their own; they can't conduct raids on their own. Did you raise this with Prime Minister Maliki? Did you object to this, or do you think this is just a great sign of increasing Iraqi sovereignty?

President Obama. Well, I think that we have seen both improved capacity and greater confidence on the part of the Iraqi security forces. We're very pleased with that. I'm in communications with General Odierno on a regular basis. He provides me a weekly report of how this transition has proceeded. He has been extremely positive about the progress that has been made.

Now, what we've seen is, is that there are going to be at times differences in strategy—in the interest of the Iraqi security forces in setting up a checkpoint at some point, and our Armed Forces suggesting that from our experience a checkpoint might create a target for AQI, and so it's better to be more mobile and to go after them—there are going to be those kinds of strategic and tactical discussions that are continually taking place between the two sides. But overall, we have been very encouraged by the progress that's been made.

It doesn't mean that there aren't still dangers in Iraq, and obviously we've seen that in some circumstances, those who want to sow sectarian division inside of Iraq are going to still resort to the killing of innocents and the senseless bombings that plagued Iraq for such a long time after Saddam Hussein was deposed.

But what we've seen is, is that the violence levels have remained low, the cooperation between U.S. forces and Iraqi forces has remained high, and we have every confidence that we will continue to work together cooperatively and make adjustments where necessary to assure that, as we move into the national elections, that Iraq continues on the progress of stability and that Iraqi security forces are continually ramping up their capabilities so that ultimately we are going to be able to fulfill our commitment to pull out our troops entirely and interact with Iraq as a full, sovereign country that it is.

Prime Minister Maliki. First of all, excuse me, the relationship between the Iraqi forces and the Iraqi forces after the withdrawal from cities and towns are good, constant cooperation. There are the support coming from the American forces next to the Iraqi forces that are operating. It is normal that the responsibility is bigger and the role is bigger as a result of the security agreement, but also based on the agreement of the withdrawal.

If the Iraqi forces would require the support from the American forces, they will ask the American side through coordinating committees that organize these operations. And I believe what's happening is organizing the roles between the two sides and cooperation. It is not to marginalize the role of any side. Based on the agreement, we are still under a joint responsibility to face any threats Iraq is facing.

Q. (Asked in Arabic.)

President Obama. My translation is not coming through here, guys, and my Arabic is a little shaky. Here we go.

Q. Based on the agreement, the security agreement between the United States and Iraq, the United States should help Iraq to get out of Chapter 7. What steps will you be doing in order to help Iraq to get out of Chapter 7?

President Obama. This is an area that Prime Minister Maliki emphasized, and we have made a strong commitment to work with Iraq to get out of the Chapter 7 constraints that were imposed after the Gulf War. As I stated before, it, I think, would be a mistake for Iraq to continue to be burdened by the sins of a deposed dictator.

Now, in order to do that, we're going to have to obtain cooperation from various members of the United Nations. I think that there are going to have to be some specific disputes that are resolved between Iraq and some of its neighbors. We intend to be very constructive in that process, but we have said clearly, and I've repeated today to the Prime Minister, that we will work diligently with Iraq so that, in fact, Iraq is no longer within Chapter 7.

Prime Minister Maliki. President Obama and the American administration agree with us that Iraq is no longer representing a threat to international peace and security because there is a democracy in Iraq, not a dictatorship. Iraq is looking forward to positive, constructive relationship with its Arab neighbors and with the international community and to deal through a law internally and in justice internally.

I have seen a clear commitment from the President and the administration to support Iraq and to be committed to all elements of the agreement, and to help Iraq to get out of Chapter 7 and international sanctions which were imposed as a result of the ventures and the wars that were led by Saddam's regime, including occupying the neighboring state of Kuwait.

Iraq has come a long way and it will continue to solve all problems. And there are so many problems that we are paying the price for from the previous regime in order to have friendly relations with all members of the international community.

Shukran jazeelan. Thank you very much.

Secretary Hillary Clinton and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki delivered these remarks in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. Good afternoon. It is a pleasure to have this opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Maliki. We are continuing our work together to meet our goal of building a stable, sovereign and self-reliant Iraq. Our countries are on a long journey together, and obstacles, of course, remain, but we are making significant progress. Today's meeting was the second of the Strategic Framework Agreement Higher Coordinating Committee. This agreement establishes the terms of our relationship beyond security cooperation. We are working to promote economic growth and human development and diplomatic efforts so that Iraq can play a very constructive role not only at home, but throughout the region.

We have had six months of work together, so today, we reported on that work. And I'd like to thank Deputy Secretary Jim Steinberg and Ambassador Christopher Hill for their ongoing leadership of our Iraqi policy. Implementing the strategic framework agreement will be the focus of our work here at the State Department for months ahead.

I very much appreciate the positive contributions that the prime minister and his team made today. We will partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to host the U.S.-Iraq Business and Investment Summit in October. And we're going to work to make sure that the investment and business climate is very attractive. There are many important issues, but let me just highlight our education exchange. I want to commend Iraq for the $2.5 million it has recently put into the Fulbright student exchange program. We're also working on justice issues to enhance law enforcement and strengthen the judicial and corrections systems. And we are also working to assist the Iraqi Government with the return of Iraqis who left their country but now wish to return home and be part of a new Iraq.

I am pleased to announce that the United States is contributing more than $100 million in new assistance this year to support the return and reintegration of displaced Iraqis. Again, thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for your leadership.

Prime Minister Maliki. Thank you very much. I would like—in the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate, I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to you, Secretary Clinton, for your interest and your commitment to convene the second meeting for the Higher Coordination Committee as a part of the strategic framework agreement between us. And I thank you very much for managing this meeting and convening this meeting.

There were so many ideas, commitments, principles, joint work ahead of us. All of us gives—all of that gives us the hope to look forward to a future that is bright for both.

The meeting that was convened today was a very strong launching to broaden the relationship under the strategic framework agreement that was signed between the two nations. Through the review and through the briefings that we heard during the meetings, there is tangible progress that actually happened and took place. But we also said that this is not enough. We still have to work more for more success and more achievements and cooperation throughout the various spheres that are covered in the bilateral relationship.

Madame Secretary, today's meeting, it was a declaration in itself that we're going into a new phase, from a previous phase of cooperation that focused on security and confronting terror and various groups into a phase where we expand our cooperation and relationship to economics, to trade, to higher education, to tourism, to every other sphere.

And I here would like to express my gratitude and thanks for the $100 million from the United States to support the efforts of the return of the Iraqis who left their places. And I am delighted by the level of seriousness and our agreement that the next meeting will be convened in Baghdad. And at the meantime, between now and the next meeting, all the various subgroups will continue their meetings in order to accelerate, in order to activate the various lines of cooperation.

And today's meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, where a number of American businessmen and corporations came, I believe that was a very strong prelude to the upcoming conference that will be convened in October here in the United States, which will be the launching pad for a massive work in order to reconstruct Iraq, in order to invite investments, and in order to rebuild the country.

And tomorrow, also, we will be signing an educational initiative agreement which would allow us to send the first group of Iraqi students to the United States. We hope that we will be able, through that program, to send 10,000 Iraqi students to receive their education here. And I would like to express our thanks and gratitude to your cooperation, Madame Secretary, in allowing that American visas will be issued out of the American Embassy in Baghdad. Thank you so much.

Q. Madame Secretary, first, have you provided the prime minister with any clarification regarding the meeting that been held in Istanbul between American officials and Iraqi insurgents? And have you signed any protocol with the insurgents during that meeting? (Speaking in Arabic.)

Secretary Clinton. Well, I have discussed this matter, which was only recently brought to my attention, with our Ambassador and with other officials. And we intend to make sure that the Iraqi Government is fully informed of any such activities, whether they are sponsored by another party or come from any other source. So we want to be sure that we have a very close working relationship and we have a very clear line of communication, and that's what we intend to do going forward.

Prime Minister Maliki. (Speaking Arabic.)

Q. Have you signed any (inaudible), Madame Secretary?

Secretary Clinton. No, we have not authorized any to be signed.

Prime Minister Maliki. In the spirit of bilateral cooperation and when the relationship between two parties who are equal and sovereign, I believe that constant dialogue—it's very important in order to achieve the desirable outcome. I am quite satisfied on terms of what I heard on this issue. And I have been given a commitment that the Administration will not negotiate or reach any agreements with those who killed American soldiers, Iraqi soldiers, and Iraqi people.

Q. But let me—can I—

Secretary Clinton. No, no. We have to move on. I'm sorry.

Q. Mr. Prime Minister, you came to Washington asking the Obama Administration for more political support in terms of helping Iraqis mediate over issues such as Kirkuk, between Arabs and Kurds, playing more of a mediative role on political reconciliation. Did you receive that political support? And are you satisfied that as the Obama Administration takes a military disengagement, that it will not undertake a political disengagement?

And Madame Secretary, if I might, on Honduras, President Zelaya is just feet from the Honduran border with Nicaragua. He seems to have a lot of cell phones in his hand, talking on the cell phone. Wondering if you had spoken to him and what you're urging him in terms of his planned return into Honduras. Thank you.

Prime Minister Maliki. First of all, I am very satisfied, because what happened between Iraq and the United States is that we achieved an agreement regarding security arrangements and not disengaging. And if what was intended here is the withdrawal of forces from cities and towns, I see this as a manifestation of success, where their work would not be needed.

My visit here to the United States came in order to meet with the leadership here and strengthening the relationship with them, and also to activate the strategic framework agreement through a relationship of mutual cooperation, covering all other issues on the economic front, commercial front, education front, tourism, and so on.

And of course, within the spirit of friendship and cooperation, a number of critical issues were discussed. One of them is Iraq's, under Chapter 7 and the various sanctions that were imposed on Iraq over the years, in addition to other bilateral issues. But we did not come specifically for any issues such as Kirkuk or anything else. And the issue of Kirkuk is an Iraqi issue. It will be settled among the Iraqis through the constitutions, through negotiations, through contacts, through dialogue, and it's inevitable that we will reach an Iraqi solution to it.

Secretary Clinton. Well, with respect to Honduras on the other side of the world, we support a negotiated, peaceful solution of the Honduran crisis. We have consistently urged all parties to avoid any provocative action that could lead to violence.

President Zelaya's effort to reach the border is reckless. It does not contribute to the broader efforts to restore democratic and constitutional order in the Honduras crisis. So we urge President Zelaya and all other parties to reaffirm their commitment to a negotiated, peaceful solution to the integrity of Honduran democracy and the safety and well-being of the Honduran people. In fact, we urge both parties to accept the proposal put forth by President Arias. It is the basis for a peaceful solution, and that is what the United States supports.

Q. Did you speak with him today?

Secretary Clinton. Not today. Thank you all very much.

Prime Minister Maliki. Thank you.

Secretary Clinton. I've been speaking to Prime Minister Maliki today.

Secretary Robert Gates and Minister Abd Al-Qadir Al-Mufriji delivered these remarks in Baghdad, Iraq

Minister Qadir. Welcome, everybody. We have met a few days ago with the American secretary of Defense in Washington. We had some good discussions in different subjects, and today he is visiting—his excellency is visiting us. And before, we were with him in a meeting with his excellency, Mr. Prime Minister, the commander in chief of the Iraqi armed forces. The subjects were discussed, which are our immediate needs in terms of the equipment, acquisition, training, command and control, as well as assessing the current situation, the status of the terrorist activities in Iraq. This is one of our biggest concentrations. How we are going to cooperate and coordinate from now until the end of 2011? What are our future plans?

At the same time, the completion process of our capabilities, readiness of the both Iraqi minister of Interior, Iraqi minister of Defense to coordinate with the Pentagon.

(Inaudible)—and how we are going to put the detailed plan, in terms of the ground forces, naval forces, air force, and how we are going to put the right plans together according to the priorities and according to the transfer and the capabilities of the American forces are going to present to us, and how we're going to take the subject forward.

The subjects are very big and very much multiple, that have been discussed in detail in a very open way. And we have discussed the different possibilities and we are going to look forward in the very soon future, put new plans and capabilities (off mike).

Q. Now for his excellency, the secretary of Defense, for a question. What is the necessity, what is the construction of his visit, Mr. Secretary?

Secretary Gates. Good afternoon, I would like to begin by thanking both the prime minister and the defense minister for their warm welcome, and also look forward to discussions with the interior minister later this afternoon.

Today's meetings and the prime minister's visit to Washington last week are reminders of the strong bond of friendship and shared sacrifice that underpin the relationship between the United States and Iraq.

Our mutual commitment is perhaps most evident with regards to security matters. American and Iraqi troops have fought side by side with many on both sides making the ultimate sacrifice to build a new Iraq.

As a result, together we have made incredible gains for the Iraqi people. And I congratulate the Iraqi security forces for their courage and their resilience, and for their recent assumption of responsibility for security in cities and towns across the country.

General Odierno and I are confident that Iraqi troops are up to the challenge of securing these urban areas and soon their entire nation, but we stand ready to assist, if called upon.

Looking forward, we will continue to support Iraq's progress toward national unity, and we will encourage progress toward ensuring that all of Iraq's communities are represented in its security forces and institutions.

We are also willing to assist in resolving disputes over boundaries and hydrocarbons; disputes that require a continued commitment to the political process in word and deed by all the players.

We will also coordinate closely as we develop Iraq's military capabilities. This includes more resources for the U.S. training mission. And given current economic and budget realities in Washington and in Baghdad, it is more important than ever to set clear priorities and focus on the capabilities needed to ensure Iraq's domestic and external defense as our forces draw down.

The June 30th repositioning of American troops and the continuing evolution of our security partnership is yet another step as we move together toward a fully normalized relationship between the United States and Iraq.

Between now and the end of 2011 when all U.S. troops are scheduled to depart Iraq, we have a number of important milestones to achieve, including fair and secure elections, the seating of a new national government, and the continued draw down of U.S. forces leading to our change of mission in August 2010 to a largely advise-and-assist role.

This is all part of a shift in the focus of our relationship from security matters to economic, cultural, educational and diplomatic cooperation under the Strategic Framework Agreement.

While great strides have been made, we know that significant challenges remain, from the ongoing threat posed by extremists to lingering ethnic and regional tensions. There will undoubtedly be some hard days ahead as enemies of a free Iraq try to derail progress.

As in the past, however, their efforts will fail. Iraq's leaders, inspired and encouraged by the Iraqi people, will show continued resolve as they enter a new and brighter era, one defined by an ever-more stable, sovereign and self-reliant Iraq. Thank you.

Minister Qadir. Twenty minutes for questions—20 minutes only for questions for—and the podium. Only one question for each reporter, please.

Q. Mr. Minister, there has been some reports that the Iraqi Ministry of Defense is going to purchase 18 F-16s, that the delivery will be in 2020, as well as there have been some reports that there has been a request by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense for some purchase from China and France.

Can you, as the Iraqi minister of defense, tell us about the equipment and the program of the acquisition for the Iraqi armed forces?

Minister Qadir. As we're building an Iraqi air force, we as the Iraqi military, we have been walking into some certain phases and trying to transfer from a certain ability to another one. And the last project was the combat, and we have huge options.

Those options that we are moving toward, some modern, new airplane capabilities, but it's going to take a long time in terms of delivery, or our capability to be able to include those kind of modern system. But we as the Iraqi government, as the Iraqi military, we have to have the right airplane to protect our skies in 2011.

That's why we have to have the best kind of capabilities to protect our capabilities so we as an expert as well as a force to protect the country. We do listen to the technical recommendation by our air force headquarters.

We do not look for names. We have to look for the capability that match our educational system, our technical system, and according to a very tender timeline. And we do accept about 80 percent of the right standard to have their quick strike capabilities. But wherever we can get it, we are going to obtain it.

Q. Thank you. (Inaudible)—with NPR. Last week on his visit to Washington, Prime Minister Maliki suggested he might still be open to U.S. troops remaining beyond 2011, depending on the security situation at that point. I wonder, Minister Qadir, whether you also would leave the door open to that possibility?

And, Secretary Gates, the same subject. You have expressed when asked the personal view that that might be necessary at some low levels. Where are you on that today?

Minister Qadir. This is just an assumption. That's why the question will be also probably an assumption. This all belongs to the SOFA agreement. The SOFA agreement will be expired at the end of 2011. At the end of 2011 there is going to be another government. This is going to be another government, not this government.

The combat field or the ground of Iraq is going to show if the Americans can stay longer or not. That's why the next government is going to assess the requirement of Iraq and how long they can stay.

Secretary Gates. I think the top priority is to implement the agreements that we've already signed. We have implemented the June 30th deadline in the security agreement to withdraw from Iraqi cities and towns. We will have withdrawn all of our combat units by the end of August 2010. And we will stick to our commitment to withdraw all of our troops by the end of 2011.

Those are the commitments we have made. Those are the agreements that we have signed with the Iraqi government, and we will implement those agreements as written.

I think it's premature at this point to talk about what happens after 2011. I think that that is an issue that we would leave— as the defense minister says, a new Iraqi government will be elected next January, and I think that what happens beyond 2011 is a subject probably best left to the end of 2010 or 2011 itself. But in the meantime, the United States is absolutely committed to carrying out all of the commitments that we made in the security agreement.

Q. From Iraqi TV. Mr. Secretary of Defense, what's the official situation of the United States about the Kuwait situation, trying to leave Iraq and the 7th Chapter of the United Nations?

Secretary Gates. Well, this is more a diplomatic matter that is not exactly my expertise, but I will say that I think the United States was intrigued by some of the proposals made by the U.N. special representative, Ambassador di Mistura.

This is clearly a matter that needs to be resolved between Kuwait and Iraq, but it seemed to us that the U.N. offered a possible path forward and we hope that both countries will be able to resolve these issues so that Iraq in particular can move into the future without the burden of Chapter VII.

Q. I would like to ask the Iraqi minister of defense, what is the reason of the—why did the prime minister have some kind of a concern with President Obama in regard of a meeting that happened in Turkey, according to what Prime Minister Maliki said and also what Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister Hoshyar Zebari said. What is the—is it correct news?

Minister Qadir. His Excellency, the prime minister, he had an open discussion, meeting with President Obama, and I was one of the persons who attended that meeting. It was a special private meeting, I could say.

The subject was discussed in a very calm atmosphere. There was no demonstration that happened. And at the same time, the Iraqi government will never, never accept to have agreements about internal affairs of Iraq without involving Iraq. This is the commitment and it's the concern of the Iraqi government.

This entire agreement was presented as an agenda of the Ministerial Council. It's been studied now in the U.S., why this kind of meeting happened in Turkey.

Q. (Inaudible)—If I could (inaudible) for Secretary Gates. Were you aware of these secret meetings (inaudible) American officials and representatives from Iraqi insurgents?

Secretary Gates. I was not aware of the specific meetings, no, but the United States has tried to play a constructive role over time in reconciliation efforts. But as the defense minister says, at the end of the day these are all decisions that must be made by the government of Iraq.

Q. Al Arabia. The question is for the Iraqi minister of Defense. Some days ago the American State Department, there has been—there is some kind of— (inaudible).

There were some discussion about there is some kind of military operations are going to happen between Iraqi and Kuwaiti borders.

And the second question for the American secretary of Defense, you just mentioned that there has been some work to do—we are doing—what are the targets that you are talking about that we have to do with this (inaudible) that we have to achieve before 2011?

Minister Qadir. I don't know what you have just said that the Ministry of Iraqi Foreign Affairs said that it has been through an official channels or not. It was just something judicial—sorry, it was just something in the rumors and the press. I don't know where did you get this information. You know, we don't have any official information.

As a minister of Defense, wherever I go I get an update about operations. I do not have any kind of Iraqi security forces in the Kuwaiti borders. And I do not even have the right number of the Iraqi naval forces to be able to do such a job.

So, as a Ministry of Defense, I do not have any kind of a leak or any idea that we are going to have such an operation.

Interpreter. Mr. Secretary?

Secretary Gates. I am not aware of any particular targets leading up to the end of 2011. We have specific dates that we have committed to in terms of our forces, and I mentioned those just a few minutes ago.

If there are any goals, they are more focused on the transfer of military equipment and purchase of military equipment—transfer to and purchase by the Iraqi military to ensure that it has the capabilities to maintain internal security and border security by the end of 2011.

But these are simply efforts we are undertaking jointly to determine what the requirements of the Iraqi forces are and then do our best, in partnership with the Iraqis, to help them meet those needs and requirements.

Q. Hi, I'm Kevin Baron with the Stars and Stripes. Mr. Secretary, we were just in the south where we saw some of the assistance and advisory role going on there. We were told that it's going wonderfully. They haven't had any incidents. They've been able to maintain a large pilgrimage that needs to happen. (Inaudible)—story about more violence still going on.

What assessment have you heard and at what point was there any sort of consideration to address the schedule to bring in more advisory, which is the case here, to replace the combat troops—(inaudible)?

Secretary Gates. I'm not aware of any effort or any plan to bring in the Advisory and Assistance brigades early. I would say that what I told the prime minister this afternoon, based on what I heard from Iraqi officials in Nazariah was that one of the main reasons that the situation has evolved so smoothly in the south in particular is because both Iraqi commanders and American commanders have been— have gone to great lengths to educate and train their forces and their subordinate officers on the terms of the security agreement.

And I very much commend both sets of commanders for doing that. My belief is that that has been going on throughout Iraq. I think it is inevitable that, given the changes of circumstances, that there would be the occasional problem.

What I think is remarkable is that you had such a dramatic redeployment of American forces and a dramatic change of the rules of operation, and that there have been so few problems along the way. And I think it's really a testimony to the security forces' leadership in Iraq, as well as our own American commanders, in training and educating their subordinates on the terms of the security agreement.

So I think one of the main reasons for my visit this time was to see how the change was going, since June 30th, and I must say, what I have seen and what I have discussed, both in the south and here in Baghdad today, leads me to believe that the circumstances are indeed as positive in the developments as I had been led to believe.

Interpreter. Last question.

Q. From the Ministry of Defense Media for the secretary of Defense.

Mr. Secretary, the test is very common. Eisenhower has—that you have a very big knowledge about the military. What kind of support you are going to provide and assistance to the Iraqi army and Iraqi military, and how you are going to assist us so the withdrawal will happen in 2011, and especially after all the success and achievement at the Iraqi military has achieved—what kind of support?

Secretary Gates. Well, in the first place, I don't think I have a very big knowledge of military affairs, and certainly not such to be mentioned even in the same sentence as General Eisenhower.

That said, we are in the process of working out, with our Iraqi colleagues, what their needs are, and we obviously have suggestions and recommendations, but it's their military and it's their police.

And so we are in the process, here in 2009, in working out the kinds of equipment we might be able to transfer to the Iraqi security forces, equipment that's already here, as well as talking about purchases of new equipment by the Iraqis. And we basically will be guided by the requirements that they provide and that we develop in a dialogue with them.

Minister Qadir. Thank you very much.

Secretary Robert Gates delivered these remarks in Baghdad, Iraq

Secretary Gates. (In progress)—in the south, the brigade that was re-missioned about five months ago, and I was very encouraged by the nature of the Iraqi and American cooperation and the degree to which they were working together and had a clear understanding of each side's obligations and responsibilities, under the security agreement, and really no incidents.

And what I found especially interesting was the comment by the U.S. brigade commander that his operations actually had increased in effectiveness since we began this partnering, subsequent to the 30th of June.

Clearly talked in Baghdad about the implementation of the agreement. And I must say that one thing that came through loud and clear is that the success of this agreement has depended, to a considerable extent, on the degree to which both American and Iraqi commanders have educated and trained their subordinate commanders in the terms of the security agreement.

And I would say it certainly has been the view of General Odierno and based on my conversation with the troops and other commanders, that overall the whole thing has gone considerably better than our expectations before June 30th. There will clearly be the occasional hiccup by somebody who doesn't get the word. But on the whole, we're quite pleased.

The meetings with the Iraqi officials yesterday afternoon had a lot to do with the security relationship going forward, talking about additional equipment for the Iraqis, what we might be able to transfer to them, other vehicles for getting them additional equipment and training, as well as the importance of resolving some of these outstanding issues inside the country with respect to borders, hydrocarbons, security and so on, and the importance of doing that while we were still in a position to be helpful.

And that really was the same message in Erbil this morning with President Barzani and the prime minister and other Kurdish officials, was the importance to— as I emphasized with folks in Baghdad, the importance of resolving all these issues peacefully and doing so sooner rather than later.

Q. What sort of—what sense did you get back from the Iraq—from both the Iraqi government officials and the Kurdish regional government officials?

Secretary Gates. Well, I think—I at least took from both that they shared the view that it was important to try and make progress and get some sustainable compromises while we were still in a position to be helpful.

Q. In Erbil did you get much push-back on doing that fast? I mean, they've—there's an election year for both Barzani and Maliki.

Secretary Gates. Well, I think their view also was, it was important to move as quickly as possible and, I think, from their standpoint, particularly while we have—still have a sufficient presence in the country, to be able to influence the process, or at least help it, to be able to facilitate the process.

Q. What would be the best way for the U.S. to facilitate the process?

Secretary Gates. Well, I think really Ambassador Hill and General Odierno and, I must say, also the vice president, I think, have played a very constructive role in trying to encourage these guys to keep talking about these issues and avenues through which they might be able to resolve some of these issues in the months ahead.

Q. They don't like the U.N. plan that you told them today you endorsed.

Secretary Gates. The—we didn't really—the U.N. plan, the only U.N. plan that I discussed was I—when I did have a brief conversation with the prime minister, Maliki, about the Iraqi-Kuwaiti situation and told him that it seemed to us that the de Mistura plan offered the path forward in terms of dealing with those problems, with both the border situation but also the revenue stream that goes from Iraq to Kuwait.

In terms of Kirkuk and the U.N. proposals there, we really didn't discuss that in Erbil.

Q. Sir, you mentioned the high-level task force.

Secretary Gates. Did—did encourage them to continue participating in the highlevel task force, and that was a real opportunity to get that issue resolved. But we really didn't talk about the specifics of it beyond the importance of that group.

Q. Mr. Secretary, yesterday General Odierno told us that you are seeking “creative solutions,” quote, unquote, in getting the Iraqis the—(inaudible) fighters as soon as they would like before 2011. Can you discuss what kind of creative solutions you may be able to work?

Secretary Gates. Well, most of the solutions that would give them some capability sooner than a number of years from now would undoubtedly involve working with the Congress. But it involves everything from figuring out a way to provide more flexible financing, to seeing if there are some of our aircraft that may be excess to our needs that could be transferred.

But all of that would have to be worked out with and through the State Department and the—and with congressional approval. But if it did work out, it could provide them with some bridging capability in the relatively near future compared to buying brand-new aircraft.

Q. But do you support the idea of selling them F-16s?

Secretary Gates. Yeah, we've been supportive of that.

Q. President Barzani, I guess a few weeks ago, said that he felt tensions between the KRG forces, the Pesh and Iraqi army were higher than he had remembered in the past, or higher than they had been since the new government. Did you get the feeling that things were still tense, or that things had ratcheted down a little?

Secretary Gates. He didn't say anything along those lines this afternoon, and I did not get anything like that from the Iraqi officials or, I must say, General Odierno either.

Q. Could you characterize how big a problem you see the north-south tensions—(inaudible?

Secretary Gates. Well, I think these are some fundamental issues. And I think that it's important that both the government in Baghdad and the Kurds have pursued them through political means and seem— and both seem to understand the importance of continuing to do that.

But they are tough issues. The Iraqis have elections coming up in January. I think it remains to be seen whether important progress can be made before those elections. But if the issues can—if they can continue the dialogue on the issues and perhaps narrow their differences, then perhaps solutions could come pretty quickly after the Iraqi—after the Iraqi elections.

Q. Did you use the term blood and treasure? I just want to make—hear it from you, that you said that we've made too many—there's been too much lost in blood and treasure for the Iraqis and the Americans and the Kurds to— (inaudible)—gains they've made in Iraq, at this point, in terms of their dispute.

Secretary Gates. Yeah.

Q. How did you put it?

Secretary Gates. He was the one—he was the one taking notes. I wasn't taking any notes but I did use that, that we'd all spent too much blood and treasure to lose the gains that have been made.

Q. On your visits yesterday, in the south with Tallil and in Baghdad and in the north, the advisory role going on in the south, was that presented to you? Or do you give it as what you sort of expect to see coming in Baghdad or in the north later on? Or is it going to be somewhat different, a somewhat different set of expectations?

Secretary Gates. I think it's kind of—I think it's kind of a test of this new model of the role that we will play increasingly, through 2010, as we pull our combat units out and consolidate into these five or six advisory and assistance brigades. And I must say that based on everything that I heard in Tallil yesterday, I'm very encouraged.

Q. Mr. Secretary, did you—you hear what's going on, in Iraq, in the Pentagon. But then when you go out, do you see things differently? I mean, did what you see jive with what people have been telling you in the building?

Secretary Gates. Yeah, pretty much. I mean, it jives better than with most reality that I hear about in the Pentagon.

I get—I get fewer differences between what's going on in Iraq, when I'm in the Pentagon, than I do on what's going on at American military facilities, when I'm in the Pentagon. The troops in America tend to have a different, somewhat rosy—lessrosy view of how wonderful all of our programs are than we at the Pentagon do.

And that's one of the reasons I make those visits, is because often the policies that we're implementing, and I'm referring now to a lot of programs we're working on, with families and so on, the right policies have been put in place in Washington. But their implementation at the local level has been more uneven. And that's what I hear more about. But that's kind of an excursion.

I mean, no, I've found—I do feel it's necessary to come out here and talk to subordinate commanders and talk to the troops and compare that with what I'm told back in Washington. And I must say, I found a great deal of consistency.

Q. Mr. Secretary, did you see anything during this trip that might give you any reason to think of any changes in the troop withdrawal plans, for Iraq, any either acceleration or slowdown for that matter?

Secretary Gates. I don't think there's anything in the cards for a slowdown. I think there is at least, and I'm not going to get into any specifics, but I think there's at least some chance of a modest acceleration.

But because of the way General Odierno sees things going, that remains to be seen.

Q. Before the election or after, sir?

Secretary Gates. Possibly before.

Q. All right. Fine.

Q. What markers would you—

Secretary Gates. I just said I'm not going to say anything further.

Q. So much for not making news.

Q. (Inaudible)—before January.

Q. You were doing so well.

Secretary Gates. Rats.

Q. What's the current—

Secretary Gates. No, I mean, he—there isn't any—nothing's going to happen very soon, but he's looking at all the possibilities and he's very encouraged by things so far.

Q. Around Christmas?

Q. What's the current glide path between now and January, possibly— the current plans—

Secretary Gates. I think the original plan was to go from 14 to 12 BCTs. Is that right?

Staff. That probably is right. I'm not quite—(inaudible)—I think it is—(inaudible).

Q. (Inaudible)—by January.

Secretary Gates. That was the original laydown, I think.

Staff. Right.

Q. And what would an acceleration— (inaudible)?

Secretary Gates. Maybe one earlier— one more earlier. But I don't want to put the general into a corner, because it really depends on circumstances, and it may or may not happen.

But I mention it only because I think it is an indicator of his view that things are going pretty well, post-June 30th.

Q. Then, one, you apparently agree with him; you wouldn't—

Secretary Gates. Well, I mean, my view on things like that is, that's his call.

Q. (Inaudible)—things going well, with the general overall level of violence down, as well as—

Secretary Gates. And the cooperation between the Iraqi security forces and the Americans, the division of labor after June 30th, the withdrawal from the cities and so on. I think he feels like that's all going, as I said, better than expected.

Staff. All right. Last question. We're about to roll.

Q. Mr. Secretary, you said yesterday that you sensed a different chemistry down in the south between the Iraqis and the Americans. Is there a different chemistry now post-June 30th with you and your opposite number?

Secretary Gates. I didn't sense that. I mean, I feel like I've had a very good relationship with Abdul-Qadir all along, and we've worked together very closely. So I would say we had a very good relationship before, and its remains to be a very good relationship.

Q. Thank you.

Q. Thank you.

Staff. Thanks a lot.

Vice President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki delivered these remarks in Baghdad, Iraq

Prime Minister Maliki. In the name of God, most compassionate, most merciful, I welcome Vice President Biden in his visit to Baghdad. This is not his first visit. It is a continuation and a follow-up of previous visits and a follow-up on the issues of mutual interest to both countries.

And as in each time, these were beneficial and positive discussions and that continue with the discussions held previously during our previous visits or also during my visit to Washington. And we—he affirmed further the need to deepen the positive relationship between the two countries and taking them and advancing them.

We have discussed the steps that has been—have been taken so far with regards to the Status of Forces Agreement that are so far going on with a high credibility and taking their normal course. We also discussed the issues within the Strategic Framework Agreement which we have very high hopes and expectations.

And within the Strategic Framework Agreement, touching that issue, we focused on all the aspects of cooperation—economic, political, cultural, scientific and commercial—and the ways to foster and to support further the political process, this political process that has cemented the democracy in Iraq. And we also talked about the various challenges that we face.

And in steps on the implementation of the Strategic Framework Agreement, we had started discussions early on in Washington during the work and the proceedings of the high coordinating—coordination committee between the two countries. We talked about that and we talked about—through which there was this conference that will be held on October 20th and 21st in Washington. We discussed that and the need for this conference to be a success in order to provide investments, opportunities for the companies and also in order to provide—and we spoke about how to advance the various legislative reform needed with regard to investments and so forth.

In that endeavor, the National Iraqi Authority for Investments will be putting forth some lists—lists about the needs for types of contracts and the type of investments that this conference would attract for the big corporations, the capital and the merchants to know what we need. And we ask also from the various relevant ministries in Iraq to put forth such lists to define other needs in contracting and opportunities.

And we also focused on the way to fight terrorism, this threat that is threatening the security and the peace—international security and peace. And we also talked about our ongoing efforts to pursue the terrorists who hit the lives of people and who hit the infrastructure.

And once more I welcome Vice President Biden, thank him for his visit, and hope for further good relations—mutual bilateral relations between the two countries.

Vice President Biden. Mr. Prime Minister, thank you once again for the welcome. I'm delighted to be back in Baghdad to discuss with the Prime Minister and his advisers issues of mutual interest. And I think we concluded some very productive talks.

And once again, Mr. Prime Minister, I want to thank you for your hospitality as well as your leadership. And I want to assure—I've assured the Prime Minister that the United States' commitment to strengthen our relationship with Iraq remains strong. President Obama emphasized that when the Prime Minister visited in July, and I repeat it again today: Our goal is to work in partnership with Iraq to help the Iraqi people build a country that's sovereign and stable and self-reliant—and they're well on their way. I want—we want a long-term relationship based upon mutual respect.

And we look at the accomplishments of the last several years and in recent months—I think we're making steady progress mutually toward that goal. We're determined to stand with our Iraqi friends as they address the challenges that remain and that—

At the end of—at the end of June, we took a very important step by transferring security responsibility in Iraqi cities and towns to the Iraqi Security Forces. This transition was part of the security agreement concluded between our countries last November. And in accordance with that agreement, we will continue to provide training and support for Iraqi Security Forces.

And we'll also move ahead in other aspects of the security agreement by removing all U.S. combat brigades from Iraq by the end of August 2010 and all remaining U.S. troops by the end of 2011.

As the terrorist bombings on August 19th so vividly demonstrated, the enemies of national unity in Iraq are ready to murder innocent civilians as they attempt to re-ignite sectarian conflict. Once again, on behalf of President Obama and the American people, we extend our condolences to the families of the victims, and condemn such attacks. And we are confident—we are confident—the terrorists will fail.

The Iraqi people and security forces charged with protecting them have shown great courage, resilience and restraint in the face of this danger. And they'll continue to reject the forces of division and destruction. I'm confident of that, as well.

We also discussed the Prime Minister's efforts of his government to strengthen national unity. The Prime Minister was kind enough to discuss with us several of the issues that are in need of resolution if the Iraqis are to achieve the bright future that they have fought so hard for and deserve.

As the Prime Minister also mentioned, and mentioned just a moment ago, we discussed the status of the Strategic Framework Agreement. This agreement lays the groundwork for a strong and long-lasting relationship between our countries in cultural, educational, economic and scientific fields. And it will, in our view, allow us to partner in improving governance and delivering services and promoting the rule of law, as well.

The Strategic Framework Agreement is the foundation of our relationship, and we look forward to joining our Iraqi friends in developing and carrying out programs that will benefit both our countries in the near future and the long term.

We're expanding our economic partnerships, and we very much look forward to the Iraqi Business and Investment Conference that was also referenced that is going to be held in Washington next month and which we believe will help bring together American and Iraqi businesses for additional economic activity in Iraq.

Iraqis as, as I might add, as well as Americans have made many sacrifices in the last six and a half years, and much hard work remains. But under the Prime Minister's leadership and the efforts of the Iraqi people, Iraq is on the road to a better future. And we remain committed to cooperating with the Iraqi government and people as they work together to create a peaceful and prosperous Iraq.

Again, Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for your hospitality.

Vice President Joe Biden delivered these remarks in Irbil, Iraq

Vice President Biden. Thank you, Mr. President, for your hospitality. I seem to bring bad weather to Irbil. When I was to meet with you last, there was a severe sandstorm and we had to postpone the meeting.

As the President knows, I very much wanted to return to Irbil. I had the pleasure of being here some time ago, and it is a—it's an honor to be back.

Last time the weather prevented my making it to Irbil. I promised President Barzani and President Talabani that I would make a return visit. And I make that promise again.

The United States understands that the Kurdish people, like so many other Iraqis, suffered terribly—suffered terribly under the rule and the regime of Saddam Hussein. And the United States and the rest of the world will never forget that. The transformation and the economic development of this region since 2003—indeed, since the 1990s—has been a truly remarkable transformation and a success story.

We landed in a beautiful airport, even though it wasn't instrument landing. And during the ride through the city, I was once again struck as I was seven years ago, by how much positive activity— building and development—is taking place.

The President and I have been conversing on the telephone the last couple of months, and I apologize for monopolizing so much of his time in our private meeting. But as the President suggested, there are a number of very important issues that we wanted to discuss with one another. President Barzani and the new Kurdish parliament are going to face a number of key issues in their upcoming term. And I've been impressed by the willingness and the commitment of the President to—again, to negotiating good faith with his colleagues in Baghdad on a number of these issues.

For as the President said to me that he can only resolve these issues within the constitution and through good-faith negotiations between the Kurdistan regional government and the Iraqi national government. He knows, and we all know, these are difficult issues. If they weren't, they would have been resolved a long time ago.

So I commend President Barzani and President Talabani—as well as meetings I had yesterday at length with Prime Minister Maliki—who are, I believe, striving to resolve some of these very difficult issues that are outstanding. Although we did discuss specific details, I think it's totally inappropriate for us to discuss them publicly. But let me say that I'm convinced that there is good faith and a genuine desire to reach a fair compromise among all the parties that I mentioned.

The United States fully understands— recognizes, and supports—the notion that there's a sovereign Iraqi government. But we stand ready to use our good offices to support Iraqi national unity. Above all, the United States remains committed to a long-term, bilateral relationship with a united Iraq. We stand ready to continue this partnership with President Barzani and the other leaders of Iraq—all those who are willing to make this country safer—and to take the concrete, although difficult steps that still remain to ensure Iraq's long-term success and unity.

And, Mr. President, if you don't mind a personal reference, I am a general—I am a genuine admirer of the courage that you showed when your people were under persecution of Saddam Hussein, and your courageous leadership. And I look forward to continuing our discussion.

Thank you.