Iraq: reconciliation an internal affair

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Iraq is declining an offer by visiting US Vice President Joe Biden for help in achieving national reconciliation. An Iraqi government spokesman says it's purely an internal matter and that the country does not need intervention from Washington.

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden takes a photo with a contractor at  Camp Victory on the outskirts of Baghdad, July 4, 2009.REUTERS/ Khalid Mohammed/Pool

Biden met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Friday.

He warned that Al-Maliki has to move faster on national reconciliation and the US is ready to help.

Joe Biden, US vice president, said,"President Obama asked me to return to Iraq with a very, very clear message. The United States is committed to Iraq's progress and Iraq's success. As the United States continues to draw down its forces, we will continue to help train, equip and support Iraqi security forces."

Following their meeting a government spokesman called the reconciliation issue a purely Iraqi affair, and non-Iraqi involvement would have a negative impact.

Biden visited US soldiers in Camp Victory outside of Baghdad for the July 4th Independence Day holiday.

Biden's trip to Iraq came just days after the pullout of US troops from Iraqi cities and towns.

There are one hundred and thirty thousand US troops stationed in bases outside the cities. Their role now is largely to train Iraq's security forces and provide support if asked by the Iraqi government.