U.S. Says No Talks with Iraq Short of Its Surrender Tue April 1, 2003 02:23 PM ET
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said on Tuesday the only discussions the United States and Britain would hold with President Saddam Hussein's Iraqi government would be for its unconditional surrender. During a Pentagon briefing, Rumsfeld accused officials of the Iraqi government of spreading rumors that the U.S.-led invasion force in the Iraq war had entered into a cease-fire negotiation with Saddam's government.
"Their goal is to try to convince the people of Iraq that the coalition does not intend to finish the job. Since this broadcast is sent into Iraq, let me say this to all Iraqis who are listening: The regime is not telling the truth. There are no negotiations taking place with anyone in ... Saddam Hussein's regime."
Rumsfeld added: "There will be no outcome to this war that leaves Saddam Hussein and his regime in power. Let there be no doubt, his time will end, and soon. The only thing that the coalition will discuss with this regime is their unconditional surrender."
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