Pace plays down Iraq violence

WASHINGTON, March 5 (UPI) -- Despite hundreds killed in secular attacks in Iraq this week, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Peter Pace said he is optimistic for Iraq's future.

Pace, speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press," said the war in Iraq is going in the right direction -- and called for more positive news coverage of Iraq.

"I don't think we're getting the goodness out to the American people the way we should," he said.

Most of the recent civilian deaths are tied to Shiite and Sunni militias, and Pace said the only armed militias that should be allowed in Iraq are those who follow the government.

Pace said he couldn't confirm allegations the militias are tied to Iraq's Interior Ministry.