"We have discussed both the progress and the challenges in Iraq,and it is clear the security situation remains very difficult," Blair said in a joint news conference with Maliki and Talabani after the meeting.

"On the other hand, there are real signs of change and progress also," Blair told the reporters, obviously, referring to recent moves by the Iraqi Sunni tribal leaders who are trying to build ties with Maliki's Shiite-led government.

"We agreed that what was required was a real sense of an agreement that brought everyone together for the way forward," he said.

Blair told the Iraqi leaders that he would continue support them after he left office in June, but he urged them to speed up national reconciliation efforts and called for new provincial elections to bring tribal leaders and other factions linked to violence into the ongoing political process.

He insisted that Iraqis should determine their future in accordance with their wishes, urging the neighboring countries to understand and respect the Iraqis' wishes.

"There are attempts to oppress Iraqis in a different way with terrorism and violence," Blair said.

However, he warned that it is important to take whatever necessary action against anyone who would use violence and terrorism to thwart the progress in the country.