Allawi urges unity, national dialogue

BAGHDAD, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Iraqi Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has urged Iraqis to unite, vowing to conduct nationwide reconciliation dialogue with the various groups and factions.

"Now is the time for all Iraqis to come together. I call upon those who cast their ballot and those who did not to unite," Allawi said Monday in his first televised address since the end of Sunday's election for a 275-seat national assembly.

Allawi said he will start "as of today" opening communication channels with Iraqi groups "within the framework of a national reconciliation plan comprising all Iraqis regardless of their sectarian, religious and ethnic affiliations."

He also hailed the first post-Saddam Hussein elections, which he said had defeated those seeking power through violence.

"The terrorists have been defeated," he added.

Allawi said his interim cabinet would run the country until the elected parliament chooses a new government.

Officials were counting votes Monday. Initial reports indicated voter turnout Sunday appeared to be higher than expected, even in Sunni-majority areas where insurgent attacks have occurred on nearly a daily basis.