"We've got to put greater responsibility on the Iraqis and that the way to do that -- probably the only way to do that -- is to let the Iraqis know that within four to six months of the president notifying them, that we're going to begin a phased redeployment of our troops out of Iraq," he said.

Asked about the Democratic move, Bush said he believed it was important "for people making suggestions to recognize that the best military options depend upon the conditions on the ground."

MALIKI SEEKS RESHUFFLE

U.S. Gen. John Abizaid, the head of U. S. Central Command, met Maliki on Monday to discuss security.

"The influence of neighboring states on security in Iraq was also discussed during the meeting," Maliki's office said.

Under pressure to avert civil war and facing criticism his government is paralyzed by infighting, Maliki on Sunday told parliament he would fire a host of underperforming ministers. This appeared to be his most determined effort yet to shake up a government formed six months ago after months of horse-trading between Shiites, Sunni Arabs, ethnic Kurds and other groups.

Maliki, a Shi'ite, has been under pressure from U.S. officials to show progress in curbing violence, particularly by Shi'ite militias linked to some of his political allies.

Maliki has said he will not necessarily stick to "quotas" of cabinet posts according to parties' strength in parliament but would appoint those competent for their tasks -- something Iraq badly needs, with its economy still in a morass despite high oil prices and its ministries accused of rampant corruption.

Alaa Meki of the Iraqi Islamic Party, part of a bloc of Sunni parties in government, said the defense and interior ministry portfolios were the crucial issue and called for "real and tangible" action from Maliki against militias.

Hasan al-Shimmari, a member of parliament from the Fadhila Party, a Shi'ite group, said he expected to see six to nine ministers changed, hopefully by the end of the year.

Sunnis, dominant under Saddam Hussein, have threatened to quit the government if they are not given a bigger role.

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