Iraq Leader Invites Foes to Join Process

"NEW YORK (AP) - Iraq's president on Saturday extended a hand to those opposed to his U.S.-backed government, urging them to participate in the political process but insisting that they give up violence.

President Jalal Talabani, however, stuck to his government's position that there can be no compromise on the principles of federal democracy, which is enshrined in a constitutional draft that Iraqis will vote on next month.

"We will talk to all, but we will not sell out democracy to the few who threaten violence if their demands are not met," he said in an address to the World Leaders Forum at Columbia University in New York.

"We will always seek compromises," he said. "Those who want to come into the political process - and we want them in the political process- must choose between the bullets and the ballots.""
MyWay