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| Today: 09 February 2010 Time: 06:57 PM |
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| Iraqi gov''t welcomes Sadr''s suspection of Mahdi Army |
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| Politics 8/31/2007 12:32:00 AM |
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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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