Biden says U.S. won’t abandon Iraq

BAGHDAD – Vice President Joe Biden sought Monday to reassure Iraq that America is not abandoning it as the U.S. military steps back and a stalemate over who will run the war-battered nation’s next government approaches its sixth month.

Biden will also try to spur the nation’s leaders to forge a power-sharing agreement to bring some much-needed political stability to Iraq after March parliamentary elections failed to produce a clear winner.

Biden tried to reassure Iraqis that America’s transition to more of a diplomatic mission in Iraq would be smooth.

“We’re going to be just fine. They’re going to be just fine,” he said during a brief photo opportunity at the U.S. Embassy.

The Wednesday ceremony marks the start of “Operation New Dawn” – symbolizing the beginning of the end of the American military’s mission in Iraq.