Mr. Zebari and Ms. Rice told reporters Wednesday after the meeting the United States is committed to completing its mission in Iraq and, in Mr. Zebari's words, "standing by the Iraqi people."

On Tuesday, Mr. Zebari spoke at United Nations headquarters in New York, praising the work of U.S.-led troops to combat insurgent attacks in the country.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has warned Iraq's neighbors not to offer medical aid or haven to insurgent leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. He says any such effort would be associating with al-Qaida.
 
In Iraq, a suicide bomber blew up his car at a checkpoint near Baghdad International Airport, wounding 15 civilians.