AFP quoted an unnamed U.S. Embassy official as suggesting it is an "Iraqi-led" meeting of "experts" at which "only security will be discussed."
The Iranian news agency ISNA quoted Tehran's ambassador to Iraq, Hasan Kazemi-Qomi, as saying talks today will focus on the composition and mandate of a tripartite security committee.
Meanwhile today, at least 25 people were killed and 20 others injured in the northern Iraqi city of Tal Afar when a suicide truck bomber struck a crowded Shi'ite neighborhood. A complete curfew was imposed on the city after the attack, which also destroyed nearby homes.
In a southern suburb of Baghdad, a roadside bomb reportedly killed nine Iraqis and wounded others at a minibus stop. Both bombings hit during morning rush hour.
Copyright (c) 2006. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org
