(2) what the outcome was of the discussions between UK forces and Jaish-al-Mahdi;
(3) with which organisations discussions were held;
(4) when the discussions between the armed forces and Jaish-al-Mahdi (a) began and (b) were completed; and what the dates were of meetings.
[holding answer 3 November 2008]: Discussions with senior figures in Jaish-al-Mahdi in Basra commenced in the summer of 2007 and continued until the end of the year. In a similar manner to other dialogue between the coalition, the Government of Iraq and militia groups, these discussions covered a wide range of issues, including the local security situation, future economic and redevelopment plans and the future role of militia groups within a democratic Iraq. The benefits of this strategy were demonstrated by the fact that on 4 December 2007 all the major parties in Basra—including the Sadrists—signed a document that committed them to supporting the rule of law in the city and the Iraqi Security Forces as its guardian. Across Iraq, dialogue between the coalition, the Government of Iraq and militia groups continues.