Bush, Maliki Say Security Talks Going Well

Last week Maliki had said the discussions had stalled amid concerns about Iraqi sovereignty.

U.S. President George W. Bush spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Thursday and they agreed negotiations for a long-term security pact were going well, the White House said. Maliki last week had said the talks were stalled.

"The two leaders discussed the ongoing negotiations to develop normalized bilateral relations -- and agreed that the negotiations are proceeding well with constructive ideas being offered by both sides," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in a statement.

The two countries are negotiating a new security deal to provide a legal basis for U.S. troops to stay in Iraq after a United Nations mandate expires on Dec. 31, and a separate long-term agreement on political, economic and security ties.

Last week Maliki said the discussions had stalled amid concerns about Iraqi sovereignty. The United States backed down on one request seeking legal immunity for private contractors working in Iraq.

"President Bush confirmed the United States' commitment to forge an agreement that fully respects Iraqi sovereignty," Johndroe said. The two leaders spoke in a video conference call.

"Prime Minister Maliki confirmed his commitment to conclude an agreement that meets our mutual interests across the subject areas outlined in the Declaration of Principles -- including economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation," Johndroe said.

The Bush administration is trying to wrap up negotiations by the end of July though some Iraqi officials have questioned whether that is possible.