WASHINGTON, April 14 (UPI) -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage leaves for the Middle East Friday to discuss the Iraqi situation with Iraq's neighbors.
The State Department said Wednesday Armitage will discuss other issues, such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, with Arab leaders as well, but his talks will focus on the situation in Iraq.
"The focus will certainly be on promoting regional and international support for the transition to a sovereign, democratic government in Iraq," Spokesman Richard Boucher told a briefing in Washington.
Armitage leaves Washington Friday night and will stay in the region till next week, Boucher said.
Armitage will visit the Gulf states and some of Iraq's neighbors, excluding Iran, he added.
The United States is trying to get support from several Muslim and Asian nations for a United Nations peacekeeping force in Iraq after June 30, when a new interim government is expected to assume charge in Baghdad.
