Iraqi PM seeks more training and equipment from NATO

[maddezmom]

Source: AFP

BRUSSELS (AFP) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki urged NATO on Thursday to provide more equipment and training to aid his troops in their war against extremists.

"We feel there is a need for more efforts in equipping and training," Maliki said during an unprecedented visit by an Iraqi premier to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation headquarters.

"We are requesting the enhancing of the activities of the NATO mission in Iraq to enable it to lead more tasks and allow us to reach self-sufficiency," he added.

Maliki stressed that "we did not come here to request extra troops" during his visit to NATO.

The Iraqi leader said he was awaiting a visit to Baghdad from a NATO delegation "with new ideas".



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080417/wl_mideast_afp/natoiraqunrest_080417131545