Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki said yesterday there have been positive developments in the country in the past months and he expects they will be reflected in a report to Congress this month by the US ambassador and top military commander.

Al Maliki also told reporters that a new law easing the ban on former members of Saddam Hussein's party will be sent to parliament for discussion and will probably be approved. The prime minister added he expects to fill cabinet vacancies next week.

US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and Gen David Petraeus are due to report to Congress on September 10 about progress since the arrival of 30,000 extra troops this year.

"I believe that they are part of those observing the situation and they are witnessing this progress and when they speak they will be speaking about objective and positive developments," Maliki said.

He listed among the achievements a reduction in sectarian fighting "to a large extent."

Maliki also revealed that Public Integrity Commission head Radhi Al Radhi had fled the country after being faced with corruption charges himself.

PHOTO CAPTION

US President George W. Bush (R) shakes hands with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki during meetings at Al-Asad Air Base in Anbar Province, Iraq. Bush expressed frustration Monday with the slow pace of political change in Iraq but said he still backed the "evolving" leadership of al-Maliki. (AFP(