You can't have someone who is regarded as sectarian as the minister of interior.

I have discussed the issue with the interior minister. She clearly is in a dangerous situation, but we're working hard with the Iraqis and others to get her released.

The security ministries have to be run by people who are not associated with militias and who are not regarded as sectarian. The issue is how forces that we're investing a huge amount of money in are perceived by the Iraqis. If they are perceived as sectarian, their effectiveness will not be there. We have insisted on this, stated it clearly. These two ministries need people who are acceptable to all parties of a national unity government. ... We are saying: If you choose the wrong candidates, that will affect U.S. aid.

We want him to form as quickly as possible a good, strong cabinet. It is important that there be a cabinet made up of ministers who will work for all Iraqis and bring Iraqis together.

Today marks another momentous step in the building of a new Iraq, ... will help pave the path to a democratic and independent Iraq, based on the rule of law.

The Kurds say they will not come back unless Iraq is federal.