Iraq vote winner "open to talks with all"

Baghdad: The top vote-getter in Iraq's parliamentary elections says he wants to negotiate with all parties to form a government that can restore Iraq's place in the Arab and Muslim world.

Former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi says his Iraqiya alliance is "open to talks with all" and says they should start immediately.

He says the stability of Iraq is necessary for the stability of the Middle East and that it is now up to Iraqis to protect their country. He says the nation should "no longer have to depend on Americans" to guarantee its security.

Allawi spoke Saturday, a day after full returns from the March 7 parliamentary elections showed him winning 91 seats in the 235-member parliament.