BAGHDAD, April 12 (Xinhuanet) -- US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arrived in Baghdad Tuesday on a surprise visit to meet US military commanders and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and prime minister designate Ibrahim Jaafari.

    This was Rumsfeld's ninth visit to Iraq since the beginning of Iraq War in March 2003.

    He said the United States opposed any delay in Iraq's politicalschedule including drafting a new constitution by mid August and elections in December.

    Rumsfeld last visited Iraq in February. Enditem