Because of the sensitivity of the timing and the critical stage we are going through, it is very important for this force to remain committed, … Any premature withdrawal will send the wrong message.

Unless they get a confirmation from the DNA it will be difficult to say whether it was him or some of his lieutenants,

We will challenge these elements in Iraq, the anti-democratic elements, by even bringing the handover of sovereignty before June 30 as a sign we are ready for it,

We are working on the basis that it is indeed a kidnapping but we have no further confirmation,

We know that American and Iraqi forces … surrounded a house where there was fierce resistance and when the American and Iraqi forces jointly tried to storm the building the occupants blew themselves up, they...

We are at a crucial period now and we need their continued engagement.

What I said was in fact, we are ready as the new Iraqi interim government to resume our responsibilities, especially now that we have a new U.N. Security Council resolution,

This is a political struggle in which we are engaged.

We want to prove to the Iraqi people and the world that we are in charge. We can manage our own security and can defend ourselves provided we are given the means and support to...

Those who are counting on Iraq being divided … should revise their assessment.

We hold the kingdom and Prince Saud in great esteem and we regret such comments as these,