BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraq said on Wednesday it was committed to meeting a deadline for a long-term security pact with the United States, as Washington confirmed it dropped a demand concerning the divisive issue of immunity for private contractors.

OPEC president Chakib Khelil says it is ‘illogical and irrational’ to think increasing oil output would ease off soaring prices. “To ask the oil producers to increase their output is illogical and irrational,” Khelil was quoted as saying the Algerie Presse Service (APS) news agency on Friday.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says the enemies plotted to abduct and assassinate him during his recent visit to Iraq in March. Addressing a meeting of clerics in the holy city of Qom, Ahmadinejad noted that the plot was foiled because of last-minute changes in his schedule.