Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has vowed to use "maximum force" against terrorism, as fresh bomb attacks hit Baghdad, killing 19 people during the first meeting of his national unity cabinet.
Three blasts hit Baghdad today, including one that killed at least 13 people and wounded 18 in a crowded restaurant popular with police.
Police said the casualty figures included police and civilians but did not give details.
Mr Maliki, briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, said however that his government would hold out the offer of dialogue to insurgents that lay down weapons.
He vowed to reimpose the state's monopoly on the armed forces, cracking down on militias.
"We will use maximum force against terrorism, but we also need a national initiative," he said.
An Arab League national reconciliation meeting is due to take place next month in Baghdad.
"Weapons should only be allowed in the hands of the government. Militias, death squads, terrorism, killings and assassinations are not normal and we should put an end to the militias."
