Iraqi PM urges cabinet reshuffle

BBC

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has called for a comprehensive cabinet reshuffle in light of the current situation in the country.
The announcement came as two suicide bombers killed 35 and injured 60 at a Baghdad police recruiting centre.

Crowds of young male volunteers were gathered at the base when the bombers detonated explosive belts.

Meanwhile, 33 bodies were recovered in Baghdad and nearby Diyala province in the past 24 hours, police told the BBC.

And as the US searches for new approaches to the crisis in Iraq, the White House said talks with Iran or Syria were among options to be discussed when President George W Bush meets the Iraq Study Group panel of advisers on Monday.

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Comprehensive change

A statement from the prime minister's office said the call for a reshuffle had come in a closed session of parliament.

The present government is a coalition led by religious Shias and Kurds, but includes Sunni Arab and secular groups.

It has faced criticism for failing to contain a wave of sectarian violence over the past six months.

Mr Maliki has said ministers should show loyalty to Iraq and to the government, not to their parties or religious sects.

Correspondents say Mr Maliki has often spoken of changing one or two ministers, but this is the first occasion he has spoken of a comprehensive change.

Deputy Speaker Khaled al-Attiya, who chaired the parliament session, said the government's performance had been "unconvincing" and Mr Maliki wanted to improve it.

The announcement came days after Sunni Arab politicians threatened to walk out of the political process and take up arms if the government continued to ignore demands to dismantle Shia militias.