In an interview with CNN, Prime Minister-designate Jawad al-Maliki also promised to tackle the problem of militias, the armed groups thought to be fueling sectarian violence in the country.
During the interview, al-Maliki said Iraqi must establish a "nationwide reconciliation" in the ethnically and religiously diverse country, torn by bloody, sectarian vendettas.
Asked when the U.S. troops would begin departing the country, al-Maliki said he "heard from the leadership of the multinational forces that they are expecting that to be in 18 months."
"I think that it will be less time than that because I am determined to provide the Iraqi forces with all of their needs. Al-Maliki said he is optimistic "about preparations in speeding the building of the security forces, not only to take over the security file
also to face the security challenges."
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/04/24/iraq.almaliki/