Bush hails Iraqi power-sharing plan

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M., Aug. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush Monday hailed the power-sharing plan announced by leaders of Iraq's fractured sectarian society.

Bush said he was briefed on the so-called "reconciliation agreement" and urged Iraq's Parliament to remain on the path forged by Prime Minister Maliki, President Talabani, Vice President Hashimi, Vice President Abd al-Mahdi and President Barzani.

While acknowledging "much more needs to be done," Bush praised the leaders for "their commitment to work together for the benefit of all Iraqis to further the process."

"The agreement begins to establish new power-sharing agreements, commits to supporting bottom-up security and political initiatives, and advances agreement among Iraq's leadership on several key legislative benchmarks," he said.

Bush also reiterated his commitment to Iraq's reconstruction, saying "the United States will continue to support Iraq's leaders and all the Iraqi people in their efforts to overcome the forces of terror that seek to overthrow a nascent democracy."