Petraeus gives private evidence to British government inquiry into Iraq war mistakes

LONDON – LONDON (AP) — The head of Britain's inquiry into the Iraq war says his panel has held a private meeting with U.S. General David Petraeus.

John Chilcot leads a five-member panel appointed by the British government to examine the case made for the war and errors in planning for post-conflict reconstruction.

The inquiry has taken live testimony from politicians and military and intelligence officials — including ex-British Prime Minister Tony Blair — and held private talks in France and the U.S.

Chilcot said Tuesday his panel held a meeting with Petraeus in London earlier this month, before Petraeus was appointed the new head of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Chilcot did not provide further details.