Next is our Asia Focus segment. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi met today with the nationalist Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr on Saturday. Sadr's Marching Towards Reform bloc came out ahead in Iraq's parliamentary election, taking 54 seats. But with 165 seats needed for a majority, that result only gives him a stronger say in coalition talks than in the past. And Sadr himself cannot become prime minister because he did not run in the election. In a joint press conference, Abadi said he and Sadr agreed to work together and with other parties to expedite the process of forming a new government.

HAIDER AL-ABADI PRIME MINISTER "During our meeting today, our viewpoints were identical on the need that others have to participate in the political process. We are not against any political bloc. We work with others, but the process needs someone to lead it on the right path to expedite the process of forming a new government and holding the parliament."

MOQTADA AL-SADR IRAQI SHI'ITE CLERIC "The meeting was meant to deliver a clear message and to assure all the Iraqi people that your government will be a caring and inclusive one, which will cover everyone without marginalisation of anyone in order to achieve reform and prosperity. God willing, we will work quickly towards achieving the aspirations and hopes of our people."