Iraqi Forces 'Ready To Take Charge In June'
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (left) with U.S. President George W. Bush in Amman (epa)
Al-Maliki made his remarks in an interview with the U.S. television network ABC today, according to a transcript released in advance of the broadcast.
Al-Maliki returned to Baghdad earlier in the day after meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush in Jordan.
After the talks, Bush praised al-Maliki as a "strong leader" and said the discussions had focused on increasing training for Iraq's security forces, as well as a number of other issues.
The Iraqi premier today also urged Shi'ite lawmakers and cabinet ministers loyal to the powerful Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to end their boycott of the government. The bloc of 30 lawmakers and five cabinet ministers -- a key al-Maliki ally -- launched the boycott to protest al-Maliki's meeting with Bush.
(compiled from agency reports)