Readout of Vice President Biden's Calls to Iraqi Leaders

Vice President Biden spoke on the phone today with Iraqi Council of Representatives Speaker Osama Nujaifi and yesterday with Dr. Ayad Allawi, a leader of the Iraqiyya political bloc. The two Iraqi leaders described deliberations underway among all Iraqi political factions and parties in the run-up to a proposed national conference led by President Jalal Talabani. The Vice President discussed with both leaders the importance of resolving outstanding issues through the political process. The Vice President and Iraqi leaders agreed to stay in close touch as events unfold.