Iraq was thankful for the Bulgarian aid in establishing democracy and setting up the Iraqi armed forces, Iraqi prime minister Nouri al Maliki said after a meeting with his Bulgarian counterpart Sergei Stanishev.

Stanishev paid a surprise visit to Iraq, together with Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin on December 11, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported.

The current government was the only guarantee that the political processes that started in Iraq were going to continue, al Maliki said. His statement came to counter claims that Cabinet members were taking part in behind-the-scene talks for establishing a new political bloc.

Bulgaria’s contribution to peacekeeping operations in Iraq is the sending of 150 soldiers to the country.

In 2005 the country pulled out its troops but in March 2006 it renewed participation in the operation. The 150 soldiers are responsible for the security of Ashraf refugee camp.

US called for further extension of the mission until the end of 2007. A decision will be taken in the beginning of next year, BTA reported.

During the talks Stanishev said that Bulgaria supported all efforts aimed at Iraq’s stability. Iraqi institutions should become increasingly responsible for this goal, said he.