Iraq's President Stresses Need for United Government
04 March 2006
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has stressed the need for a united government, as sectarian violence continues in his country.
Mr. Talabani said Saturday, a second term for Shi'ite Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari could be an obstacle to unity. The prime minister has been criticized for not stemming violence triggered by the February 22 bombing of a Shi'ite shrine.
The violence, which has left hundreds dead, has hindered efforts to form a broad-based government.
Earlier, Iraqi officials said an explosion at a minibus terminal on the southern edge of Baghdad Saturday killed seven people and wounded at least 20 others.
Meanwhile, Iraq's Interior Minister Bayan Jabor, pledged Saturday to work to disband the country's sectarian militias and integrate their members into Iraqi police, border protection and army units.
General Casey said al-Qaida or an affiliated group was most likely responsible for the Askariya shrine bombing in Samarra. He also said the U.S. military is increasing security at religious sites to prevent another attack that could trigger a significant increase in violence in the war-torn country.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.
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