More Iraqi rebel groups hint at peace

Iraq hints at compromise as nearly 20 rebel groups talk of peace

Iraq has hinted it might be ready to compromise in negotiations with insurgents as officials said nearly 20 rebel groups had expressed an interest in opening talks on certain conditions.

Minister of State for National Dialogue Akram al-Hakim said the concessions being sought by Sunni Arab rebel groups included a timetable for withdrawal of troops of the US-led coalition as well as the disbandment of Shiite militias, and added that some were acceptable to the government.

“Around 15 to 20 groups have contacted” government officials, Hakim said, although he added that it was “not clear how active these groups” are on the ground.

“There are seven groups who have demanded that their resistance to the occupation forces be legitimately accepted and we said that they should identify themselves and prove that they have targeted US troops only,” the minister said Wednesday.

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