Biden reiterates U.S. support for Iraq in fight against al-Qaida

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden held telephone talks Sunday with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, underscoring American support for Iraq in its fight against an al-Qaida-linked group.

Biden commended Iraqi government for its efforts to integrate tribal forces into Iraqi security forces and provide compensation for those injured and killed in fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also known as al-Qaida in Iraq, said a statement issued by the White House.

Biden also emphasized the importance of concluding a mutually acceptable path forward regarding oil exports from Iraq, the statement said.

The United States has increased its support of weapons and intelligence for Iraq as the country is witnessing its worst violence in recent years.

According to the UN Mission for Iraq, more than 8,000 Iraqis were killed in 2013, which is the highest annual death toll for years.