US ambassador in Iraq warns against two sects handling security missions in Iraq

The US ambassador in Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad stressed the need that a non sectarian government be formed in Iraq, at a time when there is heated debate among the Iraqi sides on the formation of this government.

Khalilzad said that the main problem in Iraq is the sectarian and ethnic conflict. A matter which greatly affects the course of the political process in Iraq. He added that the US does not want that security ministries posts in the next Iraqi government to be held by ministers who "have sectarian inclination."

The US ambassador explained that the ministers of interior, intelligence, and the national security advisor should be non sectarian people and accepted by the majority, and do not have links to the militias and work for the interest of all the Iraqis.

Though the American ambassador pushed forward for accelerating the process of forming the new Iraqi government, yet efforts are still standstill, though more than two months have elapsed after the Iraqi parliamentary elections. Moreover, Jaafari, the Iraqi designated prime minister admitted the difficulties facing the formation of the government despite his confirmations that such difficulties will be resolved.

Such a determination was reflected after Jaafari's meeting with the Shiite clergy Ayatullah al-Seistani during their meeting in Najaf when the latter urged Jaafari on the need to speed up efforts to form the government. Jaafari conveyed to Seisatni his assurance on the need "to abide by, and restrict authorities, as stipulated in the constitution in regard to supreme posts."