Rice heads to Iraq

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice unexpectedly flew to Iraq from Saudi Arabia today to press for more progress on political reconciliation.

Her trip was announced as US President George Bush was holding talks with Saudi officials.

“President Bush and Secretary Rice decided this would be a good opportunity for the secretary to go to Baghdad to meet with Iraqi officials to build on progress made and to encourage additional political reconciliation and legislative action,” National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.

On Saturday, Mr Bush had commended Iraq’s parliament for passing legislation reinstating thousands of former supporters of Saddam Hussein’s now-dissolved Baath party to government jobs.

“It’s an important step toward reconciliation,” Mr Bush said then, after more than a year of prodding by the United States for action on the legislation.

“It’s an important sign that the leaders of that country understand that they must work together to meet the aspirations of the Iraqi people.”

At the same time, Mr Bush said more progress was needed.

There was no advance announcement of Ms Rice’s trip.