WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki assured U.S. President George Bush negotiations with major party blocs haven't ended with the government's August recess.
White House spokesman Tony Snow told the daily press briefing that Bush conferred with Maliki by phone as Sunni politicians pulled out of the coalition government.
The president emphasized the Iraqi people and the American people need to see action -- not just words, but need to see action on the political front," Snow said. "The prime minister agreed and said that he will continue working with other leaders to address common concerns and move the political process forward."
Snow said Maliki told Bush the Sunni's had not left parliament; rather, six ministers resigned from the government.
Bush opened the discussion by congratulating Maliki on Iraq's soccer win and both leaders praised Saudi Arabia for deciding to upgrade its diplomatic relations with Baghdad.
