The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, confirmed today, Tuesday, that Iraq is preparing to hold local elections characterized by transparency and integrity, with the aim of returning local governments to their effectiveness.

A statement from his media office stated, "Al-Maliki received in his office today the Ambassador of the United States of America, Alina Romanowski."

The statement added, "Ambassador Romanowski congratulated Al-Maliki on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Iraq, wishing the Iraqi people further progress and prosperity."

The statement pointed out that "the two sides reviewed the future of bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as Iraq's participation in the recent meetings of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and Baghdad's keenness to actively attend international forums and communicate and maintain the relationship with the international community."

The head of the State of Law coalition stressed that “Iraq aspires to balanced relations with all countries of the world, based on cooperation and respect for common interests,” noting that “Iraq is preparing to hold local elections characterized by transparency and integrity with the aim of returning local governments to their effectiveness so that they are able to provide services to the citizen.”

In turn, the American ambassador renewed her country's support for the stability of Iraq," stressing "the continuation of providing the necessary assistance to the Iraqis within the strategic framework agreement between the two countries."

Source: National Iraqi News Agency