Iraqi president in Colorado for conference

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani spent Friday in this posh mountain resort to attend an annual conference by a New York investment firm, as part of a US trip expected to include visits to New York and Washington.

Talabani's participation at the Aspen conference was confirmed by a State Department official.

Talabani was expected to travel to New York this weekend and then to Washington for a private meeting with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice next week, Assistant Secretary Kristen Silverberg said in Washington.

Earlier this month, Talabani said he expects fighting in Iraq to slow by the end of 2007 and that Iraqi forces will be able to handle any remaining violence.

AP