U.S. President George W. Bush told Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki Wednesday to unite rival factions, White House spokesman Tony Snow said.
Speaking at a video conference, Bush emphasized that "the Iraqi people and the American people need to see action -- not just words -- but need to see action on the political front."
"The prime minister (of Iraq) agreed," Snow said.
The talks between the two leaders came as Iraq's largest Sunni political bloc pulled out of al-Maliki's government.
"It illustrates some of the difficulties in working politically within Iraq," Snow told reporters.
"We're keeping an eye on the situation, but let's keep in mind that it is not a complete withdrawal from the political process; there remains engagement within Baghdad," the spokesman said, describing the pullout as "internal politicking."
Earlier, speaking for the Sunni faction, key member Rafie al-Issawi said, "The Iraqi Accordance Front announces its withdrawal from Nuri al-Maliki's government."
Al-Issawi said the front's six cabinet ministers would resign later in the day.
Iraq's national reconciliation process has been facing challenges due to sectarian conflicts and growing disputes among different factions in al-Maliki's government, which is supported by the United States.
In April, five cabinet ministers loyal to radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr also quit the government in protest at al-Maliki's reluctance to announce a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq.
Source: Xinhua
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