Iraqs freely elected parliament has met today - plans to form their new government are moving forward. Despite the negative spins on everything going on over in Iraq - the Iraqie people are moving toward self government, and the ability to defend themselves from internal attacks.

"A government that can root out violence and set a trial for Saddam and the elements of his regime," Hakim said in a speech that wove in and out of prayer. He said a government led by the alliance would also try "to achieve the independence of Iraq and put an end to the role of multinational forces in Iraq."


Jalal Talabani, the Kurdish leader who will probably become Iraq's next president, said deputies "all have a duty to achieve real national unity."


"Iraq is facing tough times due to the continuation of criminal terror crimes," he said. "Al-Qaida is waging a war of extermination on Kurds and Shiites."

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