Iraq PM Nouri Maliki warns of 'fierce terrorist onslaught'

Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has rejected calls for a national salvation government to help counter the offensive by jihadist-led Sunni rebels.

The US has told Mr Maliki that Iraq needs an administration that represents all its religious and ethnic groups.

However, in his weekly speech broadcast on pro-government TV, the prime minister said Iraq is facing a ''fierce terrorist onslaught''.

He added that Sunni militants were receiving support from outside the country.