U.S. President George Bush has urged Iraq's political groups to pass legislation important for national reconciliation, such as an oil revenue-sharing law.
Mr. Bush made the appeal as he met in New York Tuesday with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Both leaders are attending the U.N. General Assembly.
Mr. Bush also pledged his support for Iraq and its political leaders in trying to achieve national reconciliation and in fighting insurgents. He said if the United States leaves Iraq before the job is done, in his words, chaos would ensue, threatening the U.S. and the Middle East.
For his part, Mr. Maliki said Iraq is fully prepared to handle its responsibilities. He said the future of Iraq goes through the gates of national reconciliation.
