Sadr Militia Sets Six Conditions for Withdrawal

Clashes in the Shiite holy city let up Friday as cease-fire talks between the two sides began. Sadr Spokesman Sheikh Ali Smeisim presented six conditions that the US forces must meet before the militia agrees to withdraw.

– US forces must retreat from Najaf

– The Mahdi Army must be given the right to participate in Iraq’s political process

– The militia members in custody must be released

– Amnesty must be extended to all Shiite militia who fought against the occupiers

– Shiite men of religion must be allowed to jointly administer the city’s holy places

– Basic services in Najaf must be restored

Even though cease-fire talks are in progress in Najaf, Sadr issued several harsh statements yesterday. In his address to his followers gathered in front of the Tomb, he demanded that the interim government resign. "We will not leave this holy city. We will defend this city until we are victorious, or we are martyred."

The Shiite cleric emphasized that any agreed upon cease-fire would be limited to Najaf only. Sadr urged his supporters to maintain the fight against the occupiers.

On the other side, Iraqi Interior Minister Falah Al-Naqib denied the news of Sadr’s injuries. He said that Sadr had contacted the government in order to discuss withdrawing from the Imam Ali Tomb. The Minister assured the Shiite cleric that no harm would come to him if he left the Tomb. Naqib also pointed out that no fire had been exchanged since Thursday (August 12).

Meanwhile, the US Army announced they had halted their offensive while the cease-fire talks are in progress. US Army Major Bob Pizzateli said, "We are only allowed to engage the enemy in self-defense."

US Secretary of State Colin Powell yesterday spoke about the situation in Najaf. He called Sadr and his Shiite militia ‘outlaws’. He added that he hopes Sadr will be brought to justice.

In retaliation for the US-led offensive in Najaf, Shiite militia took British journalist James Brandon hostage in Basra for a short while. In the city of Hille, militia killed three Iraqi police officers.

Seven Iraqis lost their lives in Kut, bringing the total number of dead from the past few days of clashes in that city to 84. US aircraft struck Fallujah, killing four, two of whom were children.