in rumour is there any truth

POL-IRAQ-US-DEAL
No deals with deposed Iraqi president -- US diplomat
KUNA 082054 Jan 06NNNN
kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=803535

BAGHDAD, Jan 8 (KUNA) -- A US diplomat based here denied news reports on talks between the US and the deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Political advisor for the US embassy here, Robert Ford, told KUNA that no talks were being secretly held with Hussein to reach a deal as reported by a London-based Arabic speaking newspaper.

"No secret talks between the US and Saddam Hussein... and it is impossible for us to think about this," he said.

The US would increase its military presence in Iraq if things went wrong instead of striking a deal with Hussein, he added.

He also denied any intent to release Saddam Hussein, who is currently facing trial by an Iraqi court for crimes committed against humanity.

The diplomat also said he was optimistic about a near arrest of the Jordanian terror suspect Abu-Musaab Al-Zarkawi. (end) mhg.