(AP)
Updated: 2008-03-17 13:34

BAGHDAD - Vice President Dick Cheney is making a push for political unity and highlighting security gains on an unannounced visit to Iraq. His trip came just ahead of the fifth anniversary of the US-led invasion.

Cheney landed at Baghdad International Airport, then flew by helicopter into the heavily secured Green Zone for talks with Iraqi leaders and US military and diplomatic officials. It is his third vice presidential trip to Iraq where the US death toll is nearing 4,000.

For security reasons, Cheney officials have divulged few details about the vice president's schedule. They say he is expected to make stops throughout the country, speak to troops and spend time with US Ambassador Ryan Crocker and Gen. David Petraeus, the top US military commander in Iraq. He also is to meet with Iraq's prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki.