Related Event: Iraq in Transition 

Rumsfeld wouldn't directly confirm or deny the report when asked about it on NBC.

"The government of Iraq is sovereign, they're the ones who are reaching out to the people who are not supporting the government. They're not going to try to bring in the people with blood on their hands, for sure, but they certainly are reaching out continuously, and we help to facilitate those from time to time."

Rumsfeld also said he "would not make a big deal" out of the report in London's Sunday Times.

The paper claims that insurgent commanders met four American officials during meetings on June third and June 13th north of Baghdad, in an attempt to open a dialogue.