U.S. talks to Iraq rebels over anti-Qaeda front

[OKIsItJustMe]

Source: Reuters

U.S. talks to Iraq rebels over anti-Qaeda front

Mon Mar 26, 2007 2:14 PM ET

By Ross Colvin and Claudia Parsons

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. and Iraqi officials have held contacts with Sunni Arab insurgent groups to build an alliance against al Qaeda, the outgoing U.S. ambassador said on Monday, in an opening to what he called "more patriotic" groups.

Zalmay Khalilzad also said he was cautiously optimistic that "success is possible" in Iraq, but urged leaders to act fast if they were to maintain Washington's support amid growing pressure in the United States for a timetable to withdraw troops.

"Coalition commanders have been able to engage some insurgents to explore ways to collaborate in fighting the terrorists," Khalilzad told his final news conference in Baghdad.

"These insurgents are also in touch with the government seeking reconciliation and cooperation in the fight against the al Qaeda terrorists," he said before leaving Baghdad on Monday.

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