McCain Pressures Iraqi Leaders on Gov't (in Iraq)

McCain Pressures Iraqi Leaders on Gov't

As Violence Continues, McCain Renews Pressure on Iraqi Leaders to Quickly Form New Government
By VANESSA ARRINGTON
The Associated Press

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Sen. John McCain renewed pressure on Iraqi leaders to quickly form a new government in meetings Saturday, while more than 50 people were killed in violence, many in a gunbattle between Shiite militia forces and insurgents south of Baghdad.

McCain, R-Ariz., was in the country with Sen. Russell Feingold, a Wisconsin Democrat who opposed the war in Iraq, just four days after another powerful group of American politicians traveled here to press Iraqi politicians to overcome their differences.

"The American people, no matter what party they are associated with, want the experiment of democracy to succeed," McCain said.

Feingold did not speak, but nodded in agreement as McCain spoke about the future of Iraq.

The delegation arrived in Iraq as the Bush administration has been applying extreme pressure on Iraqi politicians to form a government. Washington hopes to begin withdrawing troops this summer, banking on a decrease in violence once a national unity government is in place.

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