WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden spoke on Wednesday for a second time this week to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, voicing support for the Baghdad government’s effort to regain control of the city of Fallujah from al-Qaida-linked fighters.

The White House said Biden encouraged al-Maliki to continue talks with local, tribal and national leaders and said Biden welcomed al-Maliki’s affirmation Wednesday that Iraqi elections will occur as scheduled in April.

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