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Ban arrives in Iraq, meets Al-Maliki

BAGHDAD, July 24 (KUNA) -- United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon arrived in the Iraqi capital on Thursday to discuss with local leaders the local plitical and military crises.
According to an official statement, Ban held talks upon his arrival with Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki on local political, military affairs and regional issues.
The two sides dicussed repercussions of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, political developments in Iraq, namely discussions among the nation's political groups for forming a new governmet, in addition to security mattera, such as the issue expelling Christian natives from the northern city of Mosul.
Militants of the "Islamic state" have forced Christian residents of the city to leave or pay taxes and stay. They have recently overrun the city and other parts of Iraq.
Ban is currently in the Middle East discussing with leaders of regional countries means to halt the bloodletting in Gaza. He has already visited Cairo for this purpose.
Ban's visit coincides with a parliamentary session, due today, to elect a successor to the Iraqi President, Jalal Al-Talabani.
Dr. Fuad Maasoum, the sole candidate of the Kurdish alliance, is likely to be elected, uncontested. (end) mhg.nbs.rk