The two-day visit is aimed at promoting the two countries’ economic cooperation. Informed sources told FNA that during the visit, Salih who is also accompanied by the Iraqi Commerce and Finance Ministers, will take the preparatory steps for the next week visit to Tehran by the Iraqi Premier Nuri al-Maliki. …

BEIRUT (Reuters) — UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said on Monday he would appoint a secret negotiator to mediate between Israel and Hizbollah for the release of two Israeli soldiers captured in July. But Israeli officials said Annan’s role was to secure the release of the soldiers demanded by a …

BAGHDAD (Reuters) — The United States and Iraq hope to sign an agreement by next week to hand operational command of Iraq’s new army to Prime Minister Nuri Maliki, Iraq said on Monday, after wrangles on wording had held up the accord.