Al-Maliki requested additional U.N. support for his country, maintaining the security situation has improved enough for that to happen, although he admitted that pockets of tension -- and terrorism -- remain, according to a report of the Associated Press. "Steps toward national reconciliation have also been taken," he said. "We're trying to build a culture of peace and security, but to make this possible, we've stressed accountability and justice," al-Maliki said. The Iraqi prime minister, who is in New York for the U.N. General Assembly session, will meet with several top U.S. officials, including President George W. Bush.--MORE www.spa.gov.sa/485077