Iraq is a step closer to holding a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, according to one of the parties critical of him. At least four Iraqis were killed and five more were wounded in new attacks.

At least 20 Iraqis were killed and 60 more were wounded across the country. Meanwhile, Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi’s trial in absentia resumed briefly today.

President Jalal Talabani presided over the latest meeting of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s critics, but refused to call a “no confidence” vote in parliament for them. One Iraqi was killed in new violence and several more were wounded.

Prime Minister Maliki is attending a Council of Ministers conference in Mosul, where claims over disputed territories could be the main topic of discussion. Over 100 political and tribal leaders are expected at the meeting, except for Kurdish leaders. Meanwhile, at least two Iraqis and two Pakistanis were killed and another four Iraqis were wounded.

According to Baghdad Police Command, Baghdad Provincial Council member Laith al-Dulaimi has admitted to being an al-Qaeda member and running a terrorist cell, while Kurdish Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani accused the central government of wanting to ethnically cleanse Iraq. Four Iraqis were killed in new attacks.

Only three reports of violence came out of Iraq today, but at least three people were killed and 36 more were wounded in them. Most of the victims were Pakistani pilgrims who were in Iraq to visit holy shrines.

President Jalal Talabani posted on his website a plea for Iraqi’s leaders to end the political dispute that threatens to break apar the Coalition government, and perhaps Iraq itself. Meanwhile, at least nine Iraqis were killed and 14 more were wounded.

Two coaltions, on either side of the ongoing dispute over Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s ability to remain premier, have dug further in to their respective positions. One side insists Maliki will remain premier, while the other settled plans to meet again. Meanwhile, at least six Iraqis were killed and 19 more were wounded. Three of the wounded may have been foreign pilgrims.

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani indicated he is willing to resign his post because of the ongoing dispute between the Kurdish and federal governments. At least five Iraqis were killed and six more were wounded in light violence.

Violence left at least 12 dead and 45 more wounded across Iraq. In one incident, Lebanese and Iranian pilgrims were among the dead and injured. Still, most of the casualties in other attacks were Iraqis.