Iraqi cleric gets hero's welcome
Saturday, 10 May, 2003
BBC
Ayatollah Hakim was mobbed by followers in Basra
The leader of Iraq's best- known Shia opposition group has been greeted by thousands of jubilant supporters on his return from exile in Iran.
Crowds lined the streets of the southern city of Basra as Ayatollah Mohammed Baqr al- Hakim's heavily-guarded motorcade entered the city.
The 63-year-old cleric was a fierce opponent of Saddam Hussein throughout his 23 years of exile - and many Shiites consider him their most important leader.
His movements in Iraq are likely to be closely watched by United States and British officials - who are concerned that he might push for an Islamic state in Iraq.
On the eve of his return, Ayatollah Hakim said the future of the country lay in the hands of Islam.
He has opposed the US-led war against Saddam Hussein's regime, describing the presence of the American and British forces as unjustified.
Thousands of supporters gathered in a stadium in Basra to hear the ayatollah speak.
Many were carrying his portrait and chanting their loyalty to him.
"Hakim has had many martyrs in his family," one his supporters, Mohammad Lamrayani, told Reuters news agency.
"He deserves our welcome after 23 years abroad. It is the right of every Iraqi to come back now after the fall of Saddam Hussein."
Standing aside?
The ayatollah had not set foot in his homeland since he went into exile in 1980, at the start of the Iran-Iraq war.
The BBC's Jane Peel says the roads to the stadium were virtually blocked as people rushed to see their spiritual leader.
But our correspondent adds that, although Basra is dominated by Shias, many are uncomfortable at the idea of an Islamic state.
Some are also wary because of Ayatollah Hakim's Iranian connections.
Ayatollah Hakim's supporters have said he does not favour an Iranian-style Islamic republic for Iraq.
Recently there has been speculation over whether he would continue to head Sciri or hand over the leadership to his younger brother, Abdulaziz Hakim.
He returned to Iraq earlier and, as deputy head of Sciri, has been taking part in talks with US officials on an interim Iraqi authority.
Caution
The ayatollah's return comes as the United Nations Security Council debates a draft resolution on post-war Iraq proposed by the United States and Britain.
Several member states have spoken against clauses in the resolution that limit the UN to an advisory and co-ordinating role.
DRAFT RESOLUTION: MAIN POINTS
France's permanent representative at the UN, Jean-Marc de La Sabliere, said the organisation's role should be enhanced - particularly in the political field.
The Russians say they want to see the return to Baghdad of UN weapons inspectors, and the continuation of the oil for food programme under UN supervision.
The current draft resolution aims to end 12 years of sanctions, and gives the British and Americans wide-ranging powers in post-war Iraq.
The 15 members of the security council are holding a weekend retreat with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, before further formal discussions next week.
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