Iraqi PM Maliki calls for unity

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has called for a show of strength and unity between Sunni and Shiite Muslim groups, following an increase in the number of sectarian attacks in the country. His comments were made during an Iftar (fast-opening) ceremony attended by security officials and intelligence personnel, in which he said foreign terrorists were operating in the country and were stoking hatred between the different factions. Maliki stated: “What happened in the prisons of Tagi and Abu Ghraib are plans executed by foreign authorities to beat the security forces." Hundreds of convicts broke out Abu Ghraib prison last month, including some senior al-Qaeda members, after Sunni militants drove a car packed with explosives into the gates of the prison.   Other fighters took up positions near the roadside as more entered the prison on foot to help free the inmates.   Ten police officers were killed and 19 others were injured in the deadly raid. A simultaneous attack was carried out on a prison in Taji, north Baghdad, in which 16 soldiers and six militants were killed. Security guards managed to prevent anyone escaping. Maliki said much more progress is needed in terms of intelligence gathering on the movements of terrorists, and security forces need to take "more responsibility in protecting the country." The prime minister added that the war on terrorism was "international" and called on neighbouring Arab countries to cooperate with Iraq to eliminate terrorism.