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.

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert backed away Monday from the unilateral West Bank pullback plan that swept him to power in March, saying that Israel needs to pursue talks with the Palestinians.

TEHRAN (AP) — UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Monday urged more talks to resolve Iran’s nuclear standoff with the West even as Tehran’s hardline leadership said it was pleased with his visit and recent European overtures and accused the United States of sabotaging diplomatic efforts.