Iraq's PM says door open to talks with some rebels

BAGHDAD, June 14 (Reuters) Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al- Maliki said today he was ready to open talks with some insurgent groups, even as a security crackdown got under way in Baghdad.

''The door is open for dialogue with gunmen who oppose the political process and now want to go back to political activity under pledges,'' Maliki told a news conference, repeating his stance that he would not negotiate with insurgents who have Iraqi blood on their hands.

REUTERS CH PC1819