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The US military and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Malki have "conflicting views" on the construction of a wall surrounding the predominantly Sunni neighborhood of Adhamiyah, Admiral William J. Fallon told reporters at a press conference in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), adding that the Adamiyah "barrier" is being constructed to protect its residents.
According to the Emirates news agency WAM, Fallon said there were consultations with the Iraqi government on the issue but declined to reveal whether there were any response to the Iraqi Prime Minister's orders.
Fallon also told reporters that he would be interested in trying to open a dialogue with Iran.
"I am not interested in planning to attack Iran. I am very interested in trying to get the Iranians to come and start engaging in a meaningful dialogue," Fallon said, according to the Khaleej Times.
Qatar hosts two US military bases, but Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabr al-Thani said earlier this month that his country would “never be a launchpad for any harm against Iran.”
Fallon was speaking in the UAE capital city of Abu Dhabi where he made a one-day visit to the country while on his first regional tour after replacing Gen. John Abizaid as chief of Central command in March. Fallon said he had a "very good discussion" with General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
