US President Barack Obama spoke with Iraqi
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and President Jalal Talabani on Monday after the
country held largely peaceful provincial elections, the White House said, dpa reported.
Spokesman Robert Gibbs offered no further details about the calls. Obama on
Saturday congratulated Iraqis on their "significant" and peaceful
election of local officials, calling it an "important step" as the
country takes control of its future.
Unofficial preliminary results suggest al-Maliki's ruling coalition was leading
the tally in Iraq's nine southern provinces, national media reported Monday.
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