Iraqi leader rejects international talks

By SINAN SALAHEDDIN, Associated Press Writer
Sun Dec 3, 5:51 PM ET

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraq's president on Sunday rejected suggestions that an international conference be held to address the violence wracking his country, echoing sentiments expressed by other leading politicians in the wartorn country.

"We are an independent and a sovereign nation and it is we who decide the fate of the nation," President Jalal Talabani said after meeting with Rep. Christopher Shays (news, bio, voting record), R-Conn.

The U.S. military, meanwhile, reported that seven Americans died in weekend fighting in the Baghdad area and restive Anbar province, west of the capital, making it the deadliest day for U.S. forces in Iraq since Nov. 14, when an equal number died. CONTINUED

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