UN chief in Baghdad to meet Iraqi leaders

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon arrived here Thursday on an official visit to Iraq.

"UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon arrives in Baghdad on an official visit, as part of his tour in the Middle East," Xinhua quoted the state-run Iraqiya channel as stating.

Ban is expected to meet with outgoing Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, newly-elected Speaker Salim al-Jubouri and other top officials, the channel said.

Ban's visit is aimed at discussing the latest developments in the country, including the formation of a new government, and urging the political leaders to adhere to the constitutional timetable of the political process, it said.

The UN chief last visited Iraq on Jan 13 this year.