Biden: U.S. will abide by Iraq's wishes

BAGHDAD, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Vice President Joe Biden said he is confident the United States would abide by its troop-reduction agreement with Iraq, but would follow Iraqi wishes.

Biden told reporters in Baghdad any referendum to speed up the withdrawal of U.S. troops before the 2011 deadline -- a move floated by Iraqi leaders -- would require a number of steps before it could even reach the ballot.

But, "Whatever the Iraqi people decide we will abide by it," said Biden during the third day of his unannounced visit to Iraq.

After visiting with Iraqi leaders, Biden said he was convinced the country's elections in January were "critical to Iraq's future."

Progress is being made on an elections law, Biden said, adding he believed one would be passed to allow the vote to proceed.

Echoing President Barack Obama's sentiments, Biden said it was "very premature" to decide on sending additional resources to Afghanistan since the full contingent of already approved troops has yet to arrive and the civilian effort still is gearing up.

"There is no decision imminent on additional resources," Biden said.

Later Thursday in Irbil, Biden met with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani at the residence of the Khosrat Rasul, vice president of the Kurdish Regional Government.

After meeting with KRG President Massoud Barzani, Biden said the Kurdish leader is "negotiating in good faith" with the Iraqi government to resolve issues such as internal borders and governance in Kirkuk. Barzani, meanwhile, reaffirmed his commitment to the Iraqi constitution.

Biden said Barzani recognizes outstanding issues could be resolved only "through the application of the constitution and good relations with the central government."

"We know these are difficult issues. If they weren't, they would have been resolved a long time ago," Biden said.