Embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Tuesday he would release 2,500 prisoners with no clear evidence against them or who were mistakenly detained, in a move to help reach "national reconciliation."

Iraqi soldiers escort blindfolded suspected insurgents after a raid in Latifiya, southwest of Baghdad, June 3, 2006. [Reuters]

"We hope they will abide by not violently objecting to the political process. This is a strong move which will encourage others," he said, in a clear reference to the minority Sunni community, which forms the backbone of the insurgency against his U.S.-backed government.

He said the prisoners would be released from U.S.-run detention centres and Iraqi custody.

Maliki said a committee was being formed to review the status of all prisoners in Iraq but at the same time he would use force against those who continued violent acts.

"Those who will be released will be people who are not Saddam Hussein loyalists or terrorists or anyone who has Iraqi blood on their hands," he said in a televised press conference.

"Those who committed killings or bombings will not be released and they will be banned from being released."

Maliki said no nominees for the posts of interior and defense ministers were presented to parliament on Sunday as scheduled because there was not a sufficient number of assembly members present for a vote.

Government officials said Maliki's rivals in his own Shi'ite Alliance blocked him.

The two crucial security posts have been vacant since his government was sworn in on May 20. Maliki did not set a date for naming defense or interior ministers.