Al-Maliki, Talabani hopeful of forming new cabinet soon

(with photos) BAGHDAD, Aug 29 (KUNA) -- Prime Minister of the interim Iraqi government Nouri Al-Maliki reiterated on Sunday that resolving the issue of forming a new government "is nearing an end." Al-Maliki, during a meeting with President Jalal Al-Talabani, said the leaders are now focusing their efforts on the re-establishment of the state establishments.
Speaking after the meeting, Al-Talabani said the discussions with the premier dealt with "state affairs and the views were identical." "We have hoped that the formation of the government would be accomplished as soon as possible and we hope that it will be a national partnership government that groups all, where no party would be margenlized," he added.
For his part, Al-Maliki said the discussions were serious and dealt with various issues. "We are in consensus that resolving the issue of forming a new government is nearing an end." He affirmed the necessity of resolving this question "so that the leadership would be able to dedicate ample time and effort for the re-construction of state and secure utility services for the citizens and complete the process of establishing the state establishments." He expressed consensus with the president that none of the nation's parties should be margenalized in the process of forming a new government.
Iraq has been without a new government since the March parliamentary elections, when the bloc of Iyad Allawi secured majority of votes by a small margin. (end) mhg.rk KUNA 291959 Aug 10NNNN