Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has welcomed the prospect of talks between the US and Iran over Iraq.
He rejected comments that civil war is already raging in Iraq, but said it had come close after the destruction of a Shia shrine in Samarra last month.
He also told the BBC he is optimistic a new government can be formed within two weeks - or four at the most.
He said all parties had reached agreement on many points which would also diminish the threat of civil war.
However, Mr Talabani said another incident like Samarra would be dangerous and would lead to more bloodshed.
But he said he believed the risk was currently low.
Mr Talabani's comments contrast sharply with those of the former interim prime minister, Iyad Allawi.
"We are losing each day as an average 50 to 60 people throughout the country, if not more - if this is not civil war, then God knows what civil war is"
Mr Allawi told the BBC Iraq was already in the grip of a civil war that could tear it apart, although Iraq had not got to the point of no return.
The UK and US have repeatedly denied Iraq is facing a civil war, but Mr Allawi suggested there was no other way to describe the sectarian violence.
President Talabani also welcomed the news that Iran and America were considering talking about their differences over Iraq.
He said if the two countries could set aside their differences, that would help Iraq very much.
The US has expressed scepticism about Iran's recent offer to discuss Iraq, but the two sides are said to be seeking a date to begin their first public talks since the 1979 Iranian revolution.
Meanwhile, at least 12 people have been killed in a series of violent incidents in the north of the country.
Cycle of reprisals
Analysts say Iyad Allawi's comments are part of political manoeuvring as talks continue over creation of a government.
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There has been a cycle of sectarian reprisals and revenge killings between Sunnis and Shias.
The destruction of the Shia shrine at Samarra on 22 February made some observers wonder if the country was heading towards civil conflict.
In other incidents across the country on Sunday:
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