Al-Iraqiyah television highlighted in its 1500 gmt and 1700 gmt newscasts on 31 July Iraqi senior officials' statements on the talks that the political blocs held in Baghdad today to discuss the Provincial Council Election Law and the need to reach a compromise formula in order to endorse the law. It also carried several report on Operation Heralds of Prosperity being carried out in the Diyala Governorate, citing the Iraqi Defence Ministry spokesman as saying that "189 terrorists" were arrested during the military operations there.

- "President Jalal Talabani received in Baghdad US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and discussed with him the latest political developments in the Iraqi arena. During the meeting, which was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih, the two sides exchanged views over the Provincial Council Election Law, particularly the Kirkuk issue. Talabani stressed the need to exert all possible efforts to reach a just and acceptable agreement on this law. The president of the republic pointed out that the Kurdish political leadership is determined to protect the constitution and the principle of national accord and work towards advancing the political process and the democratic march in the country. He, at the same time, stressed his great desire to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and civilized coexistence among all the components in Kirkuk and the need to ensure the participation of everybody in running the affairs of the city and its wealth."

- "Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki asserted today that the talks between the political blocs over the Provincial Council Election Law were held in a positive atmosphere. Following a meeting in Baghdad that brought together President Jalal Talabani, Vice President Adil Abd-al-Mahdi, Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Mas'ud Barzani, and a number of officials, the prime minister asserted that the talks over this issue will continue until the political blocs reach a formula to endorse the draft law in the Council of Representatives."

Al-Maliki is then shown saying: "The meetings are still going on in an atmosphere of understanding. There are issues that forced themselves on everybody; therefore, there should be a solution. Everybody realized all participants in the political process would lose if they failed to reach a solution. Based on this fact and in order to advance and protect the political process and continue to build the state, the meetings will continue with that in mind."

Barzani is then shown saying: "We came to Baghdad looking for a solution. There were very important talks yesterday and they are still going on. We hope to reach an acceptable solution."

Iraqi Council of Representatives Deputy Speaker Khalid al-Atiyah is shown saying: "Of course, this issue will be discussed on Sunday. The preparations are still under way to hold this session. There are contacts with all the blocs, with the mediation of the United Nations, which presented a compromise formula.