Biden did not discuss federalism – source

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: A source close to the Iraqi deputy premier, Barham Salih, on Tuesday said that U.S. Vice President-elect Joe Biden discussed with Iraqi officials the current political situation in the country and steps to achieve national reconciliation, but did not take up federalism. “The two sides also discussed the relation between Baghdad and the Kurdistan region, and the upcoming provincial elections,” the source told IraqiNews.com news agency. “Biden expressed his personal support for the Iraqi government,” he said. Biden arrived in Baghdad on Monday (Jan. 12) on a surprise visit to Iraq. MH (P) / SS 1