BAGHDAD/ Aswat al-Iraq: Deputy Premier Saleh al-Mutlaq discussed with US ambassador to Baghdad Stephen Beecroft bilateral relations and the implementation of the Strategic Framework Agreement between the two countries.

In a statement by his office, both sides discussed the challenges facing the political scene in Iraq.

It added that the current demonstrations and protests should be reviewed in the light of the current political scene.

Ambassador Beecroft renewed his country's support for Iraq and hoped that the Iraqis will overcome their problems to start a new phase of reconstruction.

Since 22 December 2012, Anbar province witnessed massive demonstrations and sit-in, in addition to Ninewa, Salahal-Din, Diala, Kirkuk and Baghdad demanding the release of innocent detainees and prisoners, while others called for toppling Maliki's government.