Al-Maliki has been criticized for failing to take advantage of security gains to make progress in overcoming disputes between Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds and other groups, leaving a stalemate that has threatened to erupt into violence and stalled a key oil bill and other legislation.
Biden’s visit and his new position overseeing the US administration’s Iraq policy reflect growing concern about a recent rise in violence after a series of bombings that killed scores of people.
A roadside bomb exploded in Youssifiyah, south of Baghdad, on Saturday, killing one civilian and wounding five others, police said.
Violence remains at low levels in Iraq compared with previous years, but a series of bombings that killed scores of people raised concerns about the run-up to the parliamentary elections.
At least 447 Iraqi civilians were killed last month, double the toll from the previous month, an Associated Press tally showed.
Sunni lawmaker Hashim Yahya called on Biden to pressure neighboring countries to stop interfering in Iraqi affairs, a reference to mainly Shiite Iran, which the US military also alleges is supporting violence in Iraq.
He said Biden could not force Iraqi factions to resolve their differences.
“Biden can do nothing to impose concessions or national reconciliation on the Iraqis unless the politicians decide to put an end to their disputes,” he said. “But we welcome any efforts by Biden to help Iraqi politicians resolve their differences for the sake of Iraq.”
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