I'm satisfied with progress in Iraq: Bush

WASHINGTON: US President George W. Bush said on Thursday he was not satisfied with the progress of the central government in Iraq and pressed for further reconciliation and reform.   

"A lot of times it is local politics that will drive national politics. Are we satisfied with the progress there? No," Bush said in a press conference at the White House.     

Bush said the Iraqi government is functioning, when asked if US troop reinforcements this year had given it enough room to press ahead with reconciliation and political and economic reform.   

"Your statement says security does not provide room for government to stand up and function, but it is happening. Therefore, we will continue to press them on these laws and power sharing with the central government and provinces and the oil lot.   

"As I have reminded you, they are distributing more revenues to the provinces. There is revenue sharing, and there is local reconciliation taking place," he said.