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Maliki Too Busy to Meet With Gates

He promises to squeeze him in tomorrow morning

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 10, 2009 5:46 PM CST
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(Newser) – Robert Gates apparently doesn't rank. When the defense chief flew into Iraq today for a surprise visit with Nouri al-Maliki, he learned the prime minister was simply too busy to see him. The Pentagon is playing down all hints of a snub, explaining that Maliki had to spend hours in meetings with members of parliament incensed about Tuesday's bombings. Maliki agreed late today to squeeze Gates in tomorrow morning, reports the New York Times.

“He certainly doesn’t consider it a snub,” said the Pentagon press secretary. "He completely understands and respects that the prime minister of this country has to be accountable to the legislature.”

In a photo provided by the Dept. of Defense, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates talks with personal security detail members while waiting for a flight in Kabul.
In a photo provided by the Dept. of Defense, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates talks with personal security detail members while waiting for a flight in Kabul.   (AP Photo/Dept. of Defense, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison)
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki speaks during an interview with the AP in November.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki speaks during an interview with the AP in November.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
cfbailey
Dec 11, 2009 12:22 PM CST
he is probably just trying to stay alive
Ucantusethatname
Dec 11, 2009 12:07 PM CST
He's not too busy to accept U.S. dollars and troops.
NxBigmouthery
Dec 11, 2009 8:33 AM CST
If it were an unscheduled visit, it'd be presumptuous of the visitor to expect an audience, yes? Seems fair enough.

 
Iraq • Robert Gates • Nouri al-Maliki • prime minister • defense secretary

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