The MNF—Iraq website has more positive news about progress toward the formation of a national unity government.

'I believe that in the next 15 days we can have a new government and present it to parliament."

This is the word from Iraqi Prime Minister—designate Jawad al—Maliki in a state television interview April 25, a day after insurgent violence killed 20 and wounded more than 100.

In a CNN report, al—Maliki also said Iraqi society must be cleansed of terrorism, the government must be rid of "administrative corruption" and factional militias must be disarmed.

"I call on the Iraqis in all of their different factions and ethnic groups ... to go back to what they were like in Iraq, when the relationships were good between them and there was no prejudice based on their differences," al Maliki said, citing the many groups —— including Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens, Sunni Muslims, Shiite Muslims and Christians.

Al—Maliki said he is optimistic "about preparations in speeding the building of the security forces, not only to take over the security file but also to face the security challenges."

John B. Dwyer   4 26 06