Related story: Bush says no Iraq withdrawal timetable

    WASHINGTON, June 24 (Xinhuanet) -- US President George W. Bush met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari at the White House on Friday.

    He told reporters after talks with Jaafari that Iraq faces "monumental tasks" as it builds its new government and forms a constitution.

President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari (L) hold a joint press conference June 24. (Xinhua)

    "The way ahead is not going to be easy" because of a deadly insurgency, Bush said.

    Jaafari took the Iraqi premiership after Iraqi lawmakers approved a list of 36-member new cabinet in late April.

    On next Tuesday, the United States and Iraq will mark the one-year anniversary since the transfer of sovereignty in Iraq after the downfall of the Saddam regime.

    Jaafari, who arrived here Wednesday, met at the White House with US Vice President Dick Cheney and National Security Adviser Steve Hadley on Thursday, the White House said.

    The Iraqi government has pledged that a constitution will be drafted by Aug. 15, 2005, and approved through a national referendum by Oct. 15, leading to the establishment of a constitutionally elected government by Dec. 31 this year.

    Insurgents have stepped up attacks since a Shiite-led government was formed in late April. About 1,000 Iraqis and more than 120 US soldiers were killed in the past two months. Enditem