Hand in arms, US gen tells rebels

Under the agreement, Marines would stop offensive operations in Falluja if guerrillas handed over heavy arms. ‘‘We are not pleased at all with yesterday’s turnover. The volume probably amounted to a pick-up truck full,’’ he said at Camp Falluja.

Conway said time was running out and that resuming offensive operations was an option. ‘‘It’s days not weeks. The cordon cannot continue forever. If negotiators don’t deliver, we’re going to do what we came here to do,’’ he said.

‘‘They have to understand that it is a give and take process. We are expected to give certain things and we think we have. We expect certain things in return and those things to date have not been forthcoming.’’

Conway questioned the ability of Iraqi peace negotiators to influence guerrillas in Falluja. ‘‘We have had reservations regarding their ability to peacefully influence because it is the other guys who have the weapons,’’ he said. — (Reuters)