Iraq's prime minister Nuri al-Maliki defended his government's record today and urged neighbouring countries to work together to stop what he called "evil" from destabilising the region.
Mr Maliki was speaking a day before top US officials in Iraq deliver a long-awaited assessment to the Democrat-controlled Congress on President George Bush's decision to send 30,000 extra soldiers to Iraq.
The reports by the US commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker could influence any decision Bush takes on troop numbers amid demands from Democrats and some Republicans for US forces to start leaving Iraq.
Addressing a meeting of officials from neighbouring countries, Mr Maliki said his government had made progress "in all directions".
"This government is working hard to develop the political situation. It has made many gains despite the huge destruction left by the former regime," Mr Maliki said.
"We are at the beginning of the road, but at the same time, we say that what has been achieved is something promising."
Senior Democrats in the United States have slammed Maliki's performance, with some even calling for his replacement.
The assessments by Petraeus and Crocker are expected to highlight a reduction in violence in Iraq but also note the country's failure to pass laws aimed at reconciling warring majority Shi'ites and Sunni Arabs.