Sadr won! Turkish press.
Iraqi Holy City
AFP: 8/26/2004
NAJAF, Iraq, Aug 26 (AFP) - Rebel cleric Moqtada Sadr has agreed to a peace initiative from Iraq`s top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, to end fierce fighting in the holy city of Najaf, a spokesman said Thursday.
"Sayed (honorific) Moqtada Sadr has agreed on Grand Ayatollah Sistani`s conditions," Sistani spokesman Hamid Khaffaf told reporters.
The elderly ayatollah, treated to a euphoric welcome since returning from medical treatment in London on Wednesday, has signalled that he wants all armed groups to disarm in Najaf and Kufa and all foreign troops to leave.
Talks between Sistani and Sadr`s camps started earlier Thursday, said a spokesman for the ayatollah, but it was not clear if the two leaders themselves had met face-to-face as officials said they had 24 hours to find a solution.
turkishpress.com
US Honours Ceasefire
From The Australian :
Grand Ayatollah Ali Husseini al-Sistani “is working toward a peaceful solution to hostilities in Najaf”, said US Rear Admiral Gregory J Slavonic.
”Coalition forces will support Sistani’s effort to return the city to the citizens of Najaf”.
Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi declared a 24-hour ceasefire in Najaf from the time of Sistani’s arrival this afternoon “to confirm our commitment to peace”.
Sistani, who returned from London yesterday armed with a peace initiative, is calling for Najaf and Kufa to be declared weapons-free cities, for all foreign forces to withdraw from Najaf and leave security to the police, and for the government to compensate those harmed by the fighting here.
Rear Admiral Slavonic said the US military would adhere to the ceasefire “for 24 hours, to see if this agreement will be adhered to” by the forces of radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr |
