BRUSSELS -- Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi Friday warned Fallujah rebels there is little time left to negotiate a peaceful settlement. Allawi met with reporters in Brussels following a session with leaders of the European Union. As U.S. and Iraqi forces prepare for a major assault on Fallujah, Allawi pleaded with Saddam Hussein loyalists and hardline Islamc rebels to drop their weapons.
"I hope they will come to their senses, otherwise we will have to bring them to justice," he said.
Allawi sought to make peace with EU leaders after Thursday describing European opponents of the war as "spectators." The remarks caused an uproar in Brussels, with French President Jacques Chirac opting to leave the summit before Allawi's arrival.
"Europe has been very generous in helping the Iraqis," the interim Baghdad leader told journalists. However, he slammed countries, such as The Netherlands and Hungary, that have pledged to bring home their troops early. Allawi said such a move would "encourage terrorism and terrorists."
