Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has met with his main election rival in an attempt to resolve the country's political deadlock.
Al-Maliki and Ayad Allawi are competing to be the next prime minister after the inconclusive March 7 elections.
Member of parliament Hassan Sneid said both "expressed their wish to speed up the formation of a government before July 14," the deadline for parliament to hold its first session.
U.S. Ambassador Christopher Hill told reporters that the bargaining remained at a "preliminary stage" but that he was encouraged all sides were still talking to each other constructively.
compiled from agency reports
Al-Maliki and Ayad Allawi are competing to be the next prime minister after the inconclusive March 7 elections.
Member of parliament Hassan Sneid said both "expressed their wish to speed up the formation of a government before July 14," the deadline for parliament to hold its first session.
U.S. Ambassador Christopher Hill told reporters that the bargaining remained at a "preliminary stage" but that he was encouraged all sides were still talking to each other constructively.
compiled from agency reports
