Obama: Still "Tough Days Ahead" in Iraq

(AP)

Mr. Obama said he expected violence to endure in Iraq and that both he and Maliki "have no doubt that there will be some tough days ahead."

"There will be attacks on Iraqi security forces and the American troops supporting them," he said. "There are still those in Iraq who would murder innocent men, women and children. There are still those who want to foment sectarian conflict."

"But make no mistake, those efforts will fail," he said.

The president said violence in Iraq is down and that "Iraqis are taking responsibility for their future."

He stressed that America "seek[s] no bases in Iraq, nor do we make any claim on Iraq's territory or resources."

The president said that in his discussion with Maliki before the news conference the two men discussed the "disputed internal boundaries that will be fundamental to the future of a united Iraq."

"I reiterated my belief that Iraq will be more secure and more successful if there is a place for all Iraqi citizens to thrive, including all of Iraq's ethnic and religious groups," Mr. Obama said.

Maliki will meet with Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other American dignitaries while in Washington. Mr. Obama said he was "especially pleased" that the Iraqi leader would visit Arlington National Cemetery, "hallowed ground [that] is the final resting place for so many young Americans who have paid the ultimate price to help forge this hard-earned progress."

Maliki, speaking in Arabic, thanked the president for his hospitality and said the meeting was "positive and constructive." He said efforts were being made "to convene an investment conference in October of this year that will combine all foreign investors and all companies that would like and wish to work in Iraq."

He also said those who thought Iraqi forces could not maintain peace and security without the aid of American troops "proved to be wrong." He said Iraqi forces have become "highly capable."

Mr. Obama was asked about new limits on how U.S. troops can operate in Iraq, which were imposed by the Iraqi government. They keep American forces from patrolling or conducting raids on their own.

The president said there would be "differences in strategy," citing as an example decisions concerning where and when to build checkpoints that could serve as targets. Overall, however, he said "we have been very encouraged by the progress that's been made."

"The United States and Iraq have known difficult times together," Mr. Obama said. "Now both of us agree that the bonds forged between Americans and Iraqis in war can pave the way for progress that can be forged in peace."

At one point in the brief press conference, following a question in Arabic, Mr. Obama held a finger up to his ear and said his translation was "not coming through here."

"And my Arabic is a little shaky," the president quipped, prompting laughter. The translation soon began working again.