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Obama on unannounced Iraq visit Obama on unannounced Iraq visit
(20 minutes later)
US President Barack Obama has arrived in Iraq on an unannounced visit, US officials have said.US President Barack Obama has arrived in Iraq on an unannounced visit, US officials have said.
Mr Obama flew into Baghdad at the end of a long overseas trip that included economic and Nato summits in Europe and two days in Turkey.Mr Obama flew into Baghdad at the end of a long overseas trip that included economic and Nato summits in Europe and two days in Turkey.
The visit is Mr Obama's third to Iraq but his first since taking office.The visit is Mr Obama's third to Iraq but his first since taking office.
For security reasons, the White House made no advance announcement of the visit, and released no details of his engagements inside the country.For security reasons, the White House made no advance announcement of the visit, and released no details of his engagements inside the country.
But the BBC's Jim Muir in Baghdad said there had been speculation that Mr Obama would visit Iraq on his return from Europe.But the BBC's Jim Muir in Baghdad said there had been speculation that Mr Obama would visit Iraq on his return from Europe.
US officials said Mr Obama had hoped to hold talks in person with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Mr Obama arrived at Baghdad's international airport on Air Force One in the late afternoon, local time.
However, these talks are now expected to take place by telephone, as bad weather will prevent Mr Obama from travelling by helicopter to meet the leaders as planned. Reports said he was taken immediately to meet Gen Ray Odierno, the US military commander in country.
US officials said Mr Obama had also hoped to hold talks in person with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
However, these talks are now expected to take place by telephone, as bad weather will prevent Mr Obama from travelling into the city by helicopter to meet the leaders as planned.