BAGHDAD, Iraq — The top U.S. general in Iraq today ordered American commanders to conduct ethical training on battlefield conduct following reports that Marines massacred unarmed civilians in the town of Haditha.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said he asked a ministerial committee to hold talks with the U.S. military to set ground rules for raids and detentions.

The order from Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, the commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, said the training would emphasize "professional military values and the importance of disciplined, professional conduct in combat" as well as Iraqi cultural expectations.

"As military professionals, it is important that we take time to reflect on the values that separate us from our enemies," he said. "The challenge for us is to make sure the actions of a few do not tarnish the good work of the many."

The training will be conducted in units in the next 30 days and was aimed at reinforcing training service members received prior to their deployment, according to his statement.

"Of the nearly 150,000 Coalition Forces presently in Iraq, 99.9 percent of them perform their jobs magnificently every day," Chiarelli said. Of those troops, about 130,000 are from the United States.

"They do their duty with honor under difficult circumstances. They exhibit sound judgment, honesty and integrity. They display patience, professionalism and restraint in the face of a treacherous enemy. And they do the right thing even when no one is watching," Chiarelli said.

He added, however, that "unfortunately, there are a few individuals who sometimes choose the wrong path."