Negroponte visits Baghdad amid US-Iraqi tensions

BAGHDAD, Nov 3 (Reuters)US National Intelligence Director John Negroponte met Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on a previously unannounced visit to Baghdad today, Maliki's office said.

An official said they met for half an hour and a statement was expected to be issued later. Negroponte is a former ambassador to Iraq.

The visit comes after a period of friction between the United States and Maliki, who was angered last week by perceived US pressure to meet ''timelines'' for progress towards stability and security to allow US troops to eventually withdraw.

US President George W Bush is under pressure over his Iraq policy ahead of next week's midterm Congressional elections where polls show public dissatisfaction over Iraq could lead to Republicans losing both houses of Congress.

REUTERS SY KP1746