Iraq's interim president leaves for Washington

Iraq's interim President Ghazi al-Yawar left Baghdad for Washington Friday on an official visit, a source from Yawar's office said.

"President Ghazi al-Yawar left for Washington this afternoon. Heis to meet US President George W. Bush as well as other American officials," the source said.

Yawar is leading a senior Iraqi delegation which include Industry Minister Hachim al-Hassani, Defense Minister Hazim Shaalan, Transportation Minister Luay Hatim al-Ierres and Public Works Minister Nisreen Berwari.

Both Yawar and Bush have vowed to go ahead with the scheduled Jan. 30 elections in the violence-laden country despite numerous calls for a delay.

Source: Xinhua