Maliki Reafirms Earlier Statement...

...about troop withdrawal.

"Maliki, who earlier this month suggested that a timetable may be set for the departure of U.S. troops, would not be drawn on any specific dates when asked by reporters after meeting Pope Benedict at the Pontiff’s summer residence.

“There is a dialogue between us and the multinational forces, and we hope that we can reach results that satisfy both parties and protect the achievements made in Iraq and protect the sovereignty of Iraq,” Maliki said."

Once again, how I wish I had been a fly on the wall during the meeting with Pope Benedict.