Government Makes Security First Priority

Iraqi prime minister Nuri al-Maliki inaugurated his newly-approved government with a pledge to focus on security. Maliki renewed his promises to end the control of militias as well as terrorism and assassinations by ensuring that the government is the only armed body. In a press conference following the cabinet's first meeting, Maliki said the government will establish a new special force to guard Baghdad. He maintained that the best way to confront terror was through reconciliation and said he would reveal the names of the interior and defence ministers within two days. Maliki maintained that as long as armed militias exist there will not be peace and security and pledged to work to dissolve the militias as per law 91. He affirmed that the government should solve the sectarian cleansing and displacement that have made Iraqis feel alienated in their own country.