This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-middle-east-16134259

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Iraq PM Maliki visits Washington amid US troop pull-out Iraq PM Maliki visits Washington amid US troop pull-out
(about 11 hours later)
Iraq's prime minister has arrived in Washington to open a "new chapter" in US-Iraqi relations, the White House said, as American forces complete their withdrawal.Iraq's prime minister has arrived in Washington to open a "new chapter" in US-Iraqi relations, the White House said, as American forces complete their withdrawal.
Nouri al-Maliki will meet US President Barack Obama on Monday as part of two days of talks, officials said. Nouri Maliki will meet US President Barack Obama on Monday as part of two days of talks, officials said.
The visit comes amid concerns for the stability of Iraq as US forces leave after an eight-year presence.The visit comes amid concerns for the stability of Iraq as US forces leave after an eight-year presence.
US troops are due to complete their pull-out by the end of the year. US troops are due to complete their pullout by the end of the year.
Mr Maliki will also meet Vice-President Joe Biden and US lawmakers for talks which will cover issues relating to security, energy, education and justice, the White House said.Mr Maliki will also meet Vice-President Joe Biden and US lawmakers for talks which will cover issues relating to security, energy, education and justice, the White House said.
Mr Maliki is being accompanied by several members of his cabinet and other senior figures. It is Mr Maliki's third visit to the US since he came to power in 2006.
It is his third visit to the US since he came to power in 2006. The BBC's Jim Muir in Baghdad says the withdrawal is a momentous change, but it does not mean a complete end to US influence.
On Wednesday, to mark the pull-out, Mr Obama will address returning soldiers at a base in North Carolina. About 150 military trainers and several hundred private contractors are working with the Iraqi forces.
Strategic partnership
Iraqi leaders admit they still need help to meet any threat to their borders and airspace.
So some kind of continuing strategic relationship is envisaged - but its exact nature is the subject of Mr Maliki's discussions in Washington, our correspondent says.
It is a delicate issue for the Shia-dominated government of Mr Maliki, who essentially owes his position to Iran's support, our correspondent adds.
He says the Americans - and some Iraqis - are worried about an upsurge of Iranian influence, and perhaps a resurgence of the Shia militias, once the US troops have gone.
On Wednesday, to mark the pullout, Mr Obama will address returning soldiers at a base in North Carolina.
Meanwhile, Iraq's top security adviser, Falah al-Fayadh, said Nato has decided to withdraw its Iraq training mission by the end of the year after Baghdad refused to give it legal immunity, according to AFP news agency.Meanwhile, Iraq's top security adviser, Falah al-Fayadh, said Nato has decided to withdraw its Iraq training mission by the end of the year after Baghdad refused to give it legal immunity, according to AFP news agency.
But a Nato official denied the claim, telling the news agency that no decision had yet been made.But a Nato official denied the claim, telling the news agency that no decision had yet been made.