U.S. Ambassador Commends Iraq's Progress on Forming Government

By Howard Cincotta, Washington File

Khalilzad says agreement to convene new parliament March 16 is "positive step"

Leaders of Iraq's major political factions have agreed to convene the country's new parliament on March 16 and to meet continuously in an effort to form a government of national unity as soon as possible, according to U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad.

Khalilzad spoke to CNN's Wolf Blitzer in a television interview March 12 following a meeting with top Iraqi political leaders.

The ambassador characterized the meeting as a "positive step and good day in Baghdad," in which all the participants agreed on the need to establish a government of national unity representing Shia, Sunni and Kurdish factions led by a prime minister who is competent and "broadly acceptable" to all parties.

"The leaders rose to the occasion," he said. "This [agreement] indicates they are taking the problems of the country seriously."

Khalilzad said that the meeting did not name a new prime minister, and he refused to speculate about the candidacy of the current prime minister, Ibrahim al-Jaafari.

"Everyone agrees that the prime minister has to be someone that can bring the country together, someone who is competent in terms of dealing with the problems of Iraq," Khalilzad said. The new prime minister must also come from the largest political bloc in the new parliament - the Shia alliance, he added.

Iraqi leaders reached agreement on three key points, Khalilzad said: the opening of the new parliament on March 16; continuous meetings to name a prime minister and organize a government of national unity; and no "red-lining," or exclusion of any recognized political faction or group.

Khalilzad said that there was broad support for an inclusive government that "governs from the center."

He warned that the terrorists in Iraq are trying to provoke a sectarian war, and said that the best answer "is a government of national unity with a good program, good ministers, and a good process for decision-making." (See related article.)

In response to questions about Iran, Khalilzad said there have been discussions about "modalities" for meetings, but that he has not yet held any direct talks with Iranian representatives. He did express concern over Iranian support of insurgent and extremist groups. (See related article.)

"We want good relations between Iraq and all its neighbors," he said, "and at the same time we do not want any of its neighbors to dominate Iraq. And that's our policy with regard to Iran as well."

For more information on U.S. policies, see Iraq Update.

A transcript of the program is available on the CNN Web site.

Source: U.S. Department of State

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