Washington--Deputy Secretary Robert M. Kimmitt met this morning with Iraqi Vice President Adil Abd al-Mahdi and Planning Minister Ali Baban to discuss the International Compact with Iraq meeting in New York this Friday at the United Nations.  The Deputy Secretary reiterated the Administration's support for this important initiative.  The Government of Iraq has outlined a comprehensive package of economic reforms in exchange for commitments from the international community.  All parties agreed on the importance of a Ministerial meeting in the near future to formally sign the Compact. 

Additionally, Deputy Secretary Kimmitt congratulated the Vice President and Planning Minister for recent progress on economic reform:

"I congratulate Vice President Mahdi and Minister Baban for Iraq's recent progress on economic reform. I look forward to joining them at the United Nations as Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and Vice President Mahdi present the International Compact with Iraq, an ambitious framework for transformation of the Iraqi economy. This initiative is designed to help achieve within five years Iraq's vision of a stable and prosperous nation underpinned by a self-sustaining economy."

For additional information, please visit: http://www.iraqcompact.org