Jalal Talabani, Iraqi President, talks to Sylvain Attal about the future of Iraq's government following the recent power-sharing deal. President Talabani says he is refusing to sign the execution order for Tariq Aziz, former deputy prime minister under Saddam Hussein. Aziz, 74, was condemned to death last month.
Iraq's newly re-elected president, Jalal Talabani, has asked incumbent Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (pictured) to form a new government during a tense session of parliament, raising the prospect of an end to eight months of political deadlock.
President Jalal Talabani has called for the first session of Iraq's new parliament on June 14 since elections in March failed to produce a new government. MPs will first select a speaker for the Council of Representatives, and then a new president.
The Iraqi parliament is set to meet on Saturday to try pass an electoral law vetoed by Vice-President Tarek al-Hashemi, amid fears the veto risks delaying January's general election.
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani told business leaders in Paris Wednesday that he wanted to see the French energy giant Total working in his country's oil fields. A senior Total executive confirmed that the company is preparing bids.
Jalal Talabi, the Iraqi President, begins a five days State visit in Paris. He is due to sign several accords including one on military cooperation. Jalal Tarabi is thought to welcome more warmly the French help to reconstruct his country.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Iraq Sunday on the first visit by a Palestinian leader since the US-led invasion of 2003. He is due to meet with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.
President Jalal Talabani of Iraq warned rebel Turkish Kurds based in the north of the country to lay down their arms or leave the country during the landmark visit by Abdullah Gul, Turkey's president.
Iraq's Presidency Council led by President Jalal Talabani rejected a provincial elections bill, stating that it does not represent the wishes of "even half of the parliament". The move will likely delay October elections.
Jalal Talabani 
