The reaction that’s needed by the Iraqis — they need to come together.

I think we would assume since these discussions are with regard to our concern with Iranian policies in Iraq that it (the talks) should be in Baghdad.

The draft constitution is one of the most progressive governing documents in the Muslim world, … in terms of its protection of rights of religious freedom and conscience.

We have opened the Pandora’s box.

I think the country came to the brink of civil war. (They) decided to come together and now the risk of civil war from this attack on the golden mosque is over.

Everything that needs to be done must be done to avoid a civil war, and I think they are keenly aware of the danger.

The national unity government will need to implement a program that brings all Iraqis together, builds a happy future for the people of Iraq, and gets Iraq to stand on its own feet.

will depend not only on our military strategy, but also on the political progress.

The draft constitution of Iraq is the most progressive document of the Muslim world.

This decision, the formation of a government of national unity is extremely important. If they (Iraqi leaders) make the right decision forming a national unity government — competent ministers, good process with a good program...

America has invested blood and treasure here, and we stand for certain values, and one of them is equality for men and women. I believe the new constitution will embrace equality for men and women...

When there have been differences between the various forces with regard to a particular issue, and they’ve asked for my help, I have proposed to them options for bridging the differences between them. Failure is...

Elected leaders need to govern from the center, not the ideological extremes. This is particularly true in the security area, where the new government must continue increasing the capability of Iraqi security forces while ensuring...

It is important that the Iraqi people have confidence in the election results and that the voting process, including the process for vote counting, is free and fair.

At this point, the determination is to meet the Aug. 15 deadline.

It is critical that the newly elected leaders of Iraq do their part by forming a government of national unity with a good program and competent ministers as soon as possible.

We hope that this will be a government based on national unity, formed without regard to sectarianism, committed to peace and with capable ministers who place loyalty to Iraq above that of loyalty to faction.

Iran has another policy as well: to work with militias, provide training and provide weapons to extremist groups, direct and indirectly.

right for Iraq at the present time.

They want to intensify violence; they want to, on occasion, cause civil strife and civil war in Iraq. Iraqis want to succeed like people everywhere.

We are not going to abandon Iraq.

If Iraqis among themselves, in the assembly and those from outside, decide to make some adjustments compared to the draft that was presented three four days ago, it’s entirely up to them.

The country is bleeding. Iraqis want their leaders to rise to the occasion, to form a government of national unity.