Iraqi PM positive on surge impact

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Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has told parliament that his government has stopped Iraq sliding into civil war.

He also said violence had fallen 75% in the restive provinces of Baghdad and Anbar, and that 14,000 militants linked to al-Qaeda had renounced violence.

But he warned that Iraq's armed forces were not ready to take responsibility for security from the US-led coalition.

The claim comes hours before the top US military commander in Iraq testifies to the US Congress about progress there.

Gen David Petraeus is expected to argue that the controversial US troop "surge" has cut sectarian violence.

Extensive leaks suggest he will call for most US troops to remain in place and for any decision about their withdrawal to be pushed several months down the road.

The US ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, is expected to give similar testimony.

'More time' needed

In an address to the Iraqi Council of Representatives, Mr Maliki said the levels of violence in Baghdad and western Iraq had dropped by 75% since the US surge began in February.

"We have succeeded in preventing Iraq from sliding into the abyss of a sectarian war which was threatening our beloved country," he said.

Since the launch of the operation, the Iraqi government has restored semi-normal life to parts of Baghdad Iraqi PM Nouri Maliki <a class="" href="/1/hi/world/middle_east/6983841.stm">US surge 'failure' says poll</a> <a class="" href="/1/hi/world/americas/6984210.stm">Reports on Iraq to Congress</a> <a class="" href="/1/hi/world/middle_east/6985878.stm">Buying time on Iraq</a>

"Our constant and determined efforts to revive the reconciliation and national dialogue initiative have borne fruit by spreading the culture of tolerance, moderation and fraternity."

Mr Maliki said 14,128 "fighters" from armed groups linked to al-Qaeda in Iraq had renounced violence and joined the Iraqi security services, while 5,941 suspected "terrorists" had been detained.

"Since the launch of the operation, the Iraqi government has restored semi-normal life to parts of Baghdad," he said.

Despite his positive assessment, Mr Maliki said his country's armed forces were still not ready to take over security from the US military.

"We still need more efforts and time in order for our armed forces to be able to take over security in all Iraqi provinces from the coalition forces that helped us in a great way in fighting terrorism," he said.

The latest opinion poll suggests that 75% of Iraqis think security has become worse during the troop surge.

The poll, conducted for the BBC and ABC News, also indicates that almost 60% of Iraqis believe attacks on foreign troops are justified and that 65% disapprove of their government's performance.

More than 2,000 Iraqis in all parts of the country were interviewed for the poll.