in into the political process and the broadest possible participation," U.N. Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Kieran Prendergast told reporters. Allawi argues force must be used against those who have attacked civilians and want to gain power through violence, and Iraqi U.N. Ambassador Samir Sumaidy has asked to meet with Annan to express his government's point of view on the letter, diplomats said. But Iraqi leaders appeared divided on the matter. "Using force that kills civilians on a large scale is a mistake. The logic of occupation must end," Deputy Foreign Minister Hamid al-Bayati said on Thursday. Richard Grenell, spokesman for U.S. Ambassador John Danforth, said Washington would have no comment "on advice given in New York regarding military decisions in Iraq." "This issue is for the Government of Iraq and those who are in Iraq willing to help them," Grenell said. But Bush administration officials told U.N. officials that Annan's letter was "off the mark" as an attack on Falluja was meant to loosen the grip of a "band of thugs" so citizens could vote freely in the planned elections, said a senior U.S. State Department official who asked not to be identified. --More 2307 Local Time 2007 GMT
