Leaders of network responsible for murdering U.S. soldiers captured in Iraq

    BAGHDAD, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. military said Thursday it had captured the leaders of a network responsible for the kidnapping and murder of five U.S. soldiers early this year.

    "Over the past several days, Coalition forces in Basra and Hillah captured Qais Khazali, his brother Laith Khazali, and several other members of the Khazali network," the military said in a statement. Full story

Diplomat: U.S. pursues talks with Sunni factions in Iraq

    BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhuanet) -- U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said American officials "are actively pursuing negotiations with Sunni factions" after insurgent leaders and Sunni Arab politicians said divisions have widened between Al Qaeda in Iraq and insurgent groups and led to combat in some areas of the country.

    The Sunni Arab insurgent leaders said they disagreed with the leadership of Al Qaeda in Iraq over tactics, including attacks on civilians, as well as over command of the movement. Full story

PM: Romanian troops should be withdrawn from Iraq by Christmas

    BUCHAREST, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Romanian troops should be pulled out of Iraq by the end of this year, following agreement among the country's allies, Romanian Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu said Monday morning.

    "It is time to get our troops, women and men, back home. It is high time they return home so that we may build Romania's European future together," said the prime minister, adding that, "I shall do everything within my power and in line with the powers set by the constitution and the law." Full story