What I said was in fact, we are ready as the new Iraqi interim government to resume our responsibilities, especially now that we have a new U.N. Security Council resolution.

We hold the kingdom and Prince Saud in great esteem and we regret such comments as these.

They believe there must have been some key leaders from the terrorists, from the fundamentalists who committed suicide instead of handing themselves up.

This is a political struggle in which we are engaged.

We are working on the basis that it is indeed a kidnapping but we have no further confirmation.

Because of the sensitivity of the timing and the critical stage we are going through, it is very important for this force to remain committed, ... Any premature withdrawal will send the wrong message.

We want to prove to the Iraqi people and the world that we are in charge. We can manage our own security and can defend ourselves provided we are given the means and support to do that.

Those who are counting on Iraq being divided ... should revise their assessment.

We are at a crucial period now and we need their continued engagement.