Iraq casualties continue to rise; Bush, Iraqi president stress constitutio

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http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=3467303

Iraq casualties continue to rise; Bush, Iraqi president stress constitutional process

(Washington-AP, June 13, 2005 1:23 PM) _ As casualties continue to rise in Iraq, President Bush spoke Monday with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and stressed the importance of the country's parliament completing the draft of a new constitution.

At least 943 people, including U.S. troops, have been killed since the Shiite-dominated government of Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari announced his government six weeks ago -- an event that many thought would curb the violence.

White House press secretary Scott McClellan said Bush is grateful to those who have been killed defending freedom and said it's important that Iraqis push forward with their constitution despite the violence.

"Just to keep in perspective here, this is still less than a year since we transferred sovereignty to Iraq," McClellan said. "In that time period, Iraq has made important strides on the political front. ... And it's important that they continue to move forward on the political front, because that helps improve the security front as well."

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