"Economic development is taking place at a good rate. Part of the reason we are here is to encourage even more investment into our country. The monthly income of our people has gone from about $20 a month to now over $200. The dramatic rise in electrical use is one good sign that the economy is taking off. The stores are full."

At the same time, Malaki saw security as the major concern going forward. "We need good and reliable security and we are doing all we can to expand the security forces so they can take charge. The key is the trust between the people and the security forces. This is where we have seen the most progress," he said.

Describing the current military situation as "moving from sectarian to outside interference," Malaki stressed that the so called Baghdad Plan was working. "We are seeing a dramatic drop in the sectarian conflicts and see our major challenge as that from the outside including Al Quaida and remainders of the Ba'athist groups." he said.

"I think we are the only country in the region with a Human Rights Ministry -- we have suffered much in the past, all of us, and the Human Rights Ministry is dedicated to rooting out all forms of abuse. It is a positive sign."`

Reacting to the question of a timetable, Malaki strongly objected saying "There is no timetable for the Multinational forces to leave. We are working together with our friends to bring security under control. The only timetable is that of our forces and our nation as a whole being able to assume responsibility for our situation."

Commenting on the death of Saddam Hussein, Malaki said: "In the end he was charged only for the deaths of a hundred people. He should have been charged for the deaths of the hundreds of thousands he really killed. We gave him a long and fair trial. It is unfortunate that pictures of his death were shown, but we are not used to doing this and we have learned a lot."

With daily flights from many parts of Europe and the Middle East, Iraq is slowly returning to a more normal state. At the same time, the Prime Minister was clear that any discussion of timetables for withdrawl of Multinational Forces would be disastrous.

"In the end we will be able to take care of ourselves. Meanwhile, we need the help of our friends to stand against those who want to harm us."

Following the interview the atmosphere in the room was heavy, and tears were in the eyes of all present as the suffering of those who, although now in power, had suffered terribly under Saddam Hussein came to the fore.

Malaki was asked "Do you mind if we pray for you?" This question elicited a quiet, "Please," and all in the room bowed in prayer as they held the Prime Minister's hand and asked God to do a miracle in the land of Abraham.

© 2007 ASSIST News Service, used with permission