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By VOA News 27 June 2009 Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki speaks at a ceremony marking the 2003 death of Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim in Baghdad, Iraq, 27 Jun 2009 Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has called for national unity, following a spate of deadly bombings just days before U.S. forces are set to withdraw from Iraqi cities. Mr. Maliki said political reconciliation between Iraq's Sunni and Shi'ite Muslim groups is necessary to ensure stability in the country. The Iraqi prime minister also reiterated Iraqi forces were fully capable of taking over security responsibilities when U.S. forces pull out of urban areas by June 30. The comments echo that of U.S. President Barack Obama who said Friday the overall security situation in Iraq has improved, despite recent violence. Friday, at least 16 people were killed in two separate attacks in Baghdad. Earlier this week, at least 76 people were killed in an...

By Edward Yeranian Cairo 29 June 2009 Iraqi forces officially assumed control of Baghdad and other cites across the country early Tuesday, following the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from urban areas. Celebrations in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, include music, dance and poetry. People celebrate in Basra, Iraq's 2nd largest city, 550 kilometers (340 miles) southeast of Baghdad, 29 Jun 2009 Iraqi government TV has been playing patriotic music to celebrate the U.S. military withdrawal from cities, towns and villages across the country, officially set to be completed by Tuesday June 30th. Iraqi military vehicles were also covered with flowers to celebrate the event, and military parades, complete with band music, were organized in Diyala and Diwania provinces. The government declared a "Day of National Sovereignty" to mark the event, and has invited ordinary citizens to join evening celebra...