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Iraqi gov''t welcomes Sadr''s suspection of Mahdi Army
Politics    8/31/2007 12:32:00 AM
 
BAGHAD, Aug 30 (KUNA) -- The Iraqi government Thursday welcomed Shiite cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr's decision to suspect Al-Mahdi Army for six months in the wake of bloody clashes in Karbala.
"The Iraqi government welcomes announcement of Mr. Muqtada Al-Sadr to suspect activity of Al-Mahdi Army for six months," a statement by the Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki's office said.
This is "an encouraging step" to boost security and stability nationwide, said Al-Maliki.
It will be a prelude to freezing activities of all militias to bring about unity, independence and sovereignty of Iraq, he said.
Al-Maliki said Al-Sadr's party was a key group in the political scene in Iraq "and will remain a real contributor to the political process." Al-Sadr suspended his Mahdi Army following the bloody clashes between armed men and security forces in Karbala -- a city holy to Shiites -- in which some 55 people were killed and nearly 380 others injured.
Al-Maliki said the security operations in Karbala were not targeting Al-Sadr group but all those elements who committed crimes and violated the sacredness of the holy places and sabotated public properties.
The Prime Minister visited Karbala yesterday, decided to extend the curfew, ordered the arrest of 1,500 security personnel for failing to do their job properly, and referred senior officers to interrogation.
Al-Maliki also sacked Major-General Saleh Al-Maliki, commander of Karbala operations, for failing to do his job.
The US army welcomed Al-Sadr's decision, and said they encouraged every political leader to tackle the country's problem in an active but peaceful manner. (end) mhg.bs KUNA 310032 Aug 07NNNN
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