Baghdad: Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi announced today (June 20, 2004) that all security officials would report to him in an effort to control a wave of violence sweeping the country ahead of the June 30 transfer of power.

He also announced the formation of elite military units to combat insurgent groups.

"I have directed that the immediate priority is to establish an effective Iraqi command and control system to integrate all these forces while I will have ultimate responsibility for national security," Allawi told a news conference.

"The Iraqi military will report to me through the Armed Forces Chief of Staff and the Ministry of Defence, the police and other security forces will be responsible to me through the Minister of Interior and other respective Ministries," he added.

"Our capabilities will enable us to take necessary action against forces of evil and I have laid the foundation for creating a national directorate for internal security."

He said the top priority was setting up specialised units to fight the insurgents.