Bush, Maliki, discuss US-Iraq pact

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President George W. Bush assured Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Thursday that he wants a long-term bilateral security pact that "fully respects" Iraqi sovereignty, the White House said.

The two leaders, speaking by secure videoconference, discussed efforts to reach agreement by July 31 on an accord governing the future deployment of US troops, said US national security council spokesman Gordon Johndroe.

"President Bush confirmed the United States' commitment to forge an agreement that fully respects Iraqi sovereignty," and the two leaders "agreed that the negotiations are proceeding well with constructive ideas being offered by both sides," said Johndroe.

Maliki ...