Iraq rebels threatened with ‘sharp sword’

IRAQ’S interim government vowed yesterday to restore the death penalty and take a “sharp sword” to insurgents, but also promised an amnesty to any rebels who stop fighting.

“Whoever said before that they were fighting the occupation, we now tell them the occupation has gone,” said interim President Ghazi al-Yawar.

“We will be a sharp sword against anyone who attacks Iraq,” he said. “If they don't stop, we will not hesitate for a moment to use any kind of force required to protect the Iraqi people.”