US and Fallujah Iraqis hold talks

American military and civilian officials met leaders from Fallujah today, the first known direct negotiations since the siege of the Iraqi city began 12 days ago.

Until now, US allied Iraqi leaders have been holding talks with city representatives trying to find an end to the violence.

“We are coming in here with an open mind. It is very important what we are doing. We are trying to give diplomatic negotiations a chance here,” said marine Major TV Johnson.

Eleven members of the Fallujah delegation attended the talks, most wearing business suits, but one member attended wearing traditional robes.

US officials would not comment on the substance of the negotiations or give details on who the Fallujah representatives were.

The talks were held at a Marine base near Fallujah. One US coalition official and one military official participated.