CAIRO, 21 November 2005 — Iraq’s president said during a reconciliation conference yesterday he was ready for talks with anti-government opposition figures and members of Saddam Hussein’s outlawed Baath party. He called on the Sunni-led insurgency to lay down its arms and join the political process.
But President Jalal Talabani, in Cairo for the US-backed and Arab League-sponsored conference, insisted that the Iraqi government would not meet with Baath party members who are currently participating in the Sunni-led insurgency and attacking Iraqi and US-led forces in the country.
“I am the president of Iraq and I am responsible for all Iraqis. If those who describe themselves as Iraqi resistance want to contact me, they are welcome,” Talabani told reporters. “I want to listen to all Iraqis. I am committed to listen to them, even those who are criminals and are on trial.” Talabani made clear in his remarks, however, that he would talk with insurgents and “criminals” only if they put down their weapons.
Later, the delegates agreed to a late February date for a fuller reconciliation meeting on Iraq. A draft of a final communique obtained by The Associated Press stated that delegates to the February meeting would decide on and call for a timetable for withdrawing foreign troops from Iraq. The document also stated that Iraqis of all sectarian, religious and political affiliations could participate in the meeting if they agreed to lay down arms, a reference to the insurgents.
Talabani’s remarks came amid reports that he had already met with representatives of the former regime in Cairo. They also appeared to catch some Shiite delegates by surprise.
“This is a unilateral move, which was not coordinated with us,” said one Shiite leader, who declined to be identified by name, fearing political repercussions.
Reports said Talabani had received proposals from insurgent groups and that their “conditions” were being reviewed in coordination with the Pentagon and American officials.
