BAGHDAD, Oct. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi told the people of Fallujah on Wednesday to hand over foreign fighters loyal to the Jordanian-born Abu Musab al-Zarqawi or face military operations.

   "If Zarqawi and his group are not handed over to us, we are ready for major offensive against Fallujah," Allawi told members of the National Council in Baghdad.

   In addition, Allawi hailed the disarmament program in Baghdad's Sadr City as the first step to restoring security and stability to the Shiite slum, which has been the scene of violence for the past six months.

   "I am happy to inform you that weapons are being handed in as promised," Allawi told the interim parliament.

   "In return, we are prepared to carry out our promises by releasing prisoners and stopping military operations in Sadr City, but that does require that the other side keep its promises," he said.

   Fighters loyal to radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr started handing over heavy and medium weapons on Monday in return for compromises from Allawi's government.  Enditem