Iraq crisis deepens

At least nine people were killed in violence across the country, while police recovered 12 bullet-riddled bodies in a notorious Baghdad district.

Four US soldiers were reported killed in fighting west of Baghdad, bringing the US death toll for this month to 47 compared with 31 for all of March.

Four Marines three from Regimental Combat Team Five and one from the 2/28 Brigade Combat Team died Saturday in Anbar province, the US command said Sunday.

Despite the continuing political feuding, Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari predicted that the new government could be in place by the end of the month.

"I hope by the end of April, to be very realistic with you," Zebari told the BBC. "We understand the impatience everybody is feeling, at home and abroad, among supporters of the new Iraq and we fully realise that time is of the essence."

The country is still without a new government four months after landmark elections for the first full-term post-Saddam Hussein parliament, as Iraqi leaders squabble over the premiership and other key posts.