Pentagon 'wants talks on Wikileaks documents'

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange yesterday claimed that the Pentagon has expressed willingness to discuss the online whistleblower's request for help in reviewing classified documents from the Afghan war and removing information that could harm civilians.

The Pentagon, however, denied any direct contacts with WikiLeaks.

"We received contact through our lawyers that the General Counsel (of the Pentagon] say they want to discuss the issue," Mr Assange said.

He added the contacts had been brokered by the US Army Criminal Investigation Command.

However, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman denied any direct contacts between the Pentagon and WikiLeaks.

He also said that the Pentagon is not interested in co-operating with WikiLeaks, which has asked for help in reviewing the documents