Iraq says it still needs help

BAGHDAD (AP)— The Iraqi government defended its efforts to stabilize the country on the eve of a key U.S. progress report but said Sunday it needs more help and was not ready for a timetable on the withdrawal of American forces.

Iraq also issued a new appeal to neighboring countries to step up assistance at a conference that drew delegates from across the Middle East and representatives of the U.S., the U.N. and the Group of Eight industrialized nations.

Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said bordering countries had been slow to fulfill promises to stem the flow of fighters and weapons into Iraq.

He urged Syria and Jordan to ease restrictions on Iraqis trying to enter those countries, with Damascus set to begin imposing the requirement Monday.

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