Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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April 7, 2008

Iraq's Maliki Threatens to Bar Sadr From Politics
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1BCC440:A6F02AD83191E16083F669796569DC1EA13B8D4F2090AB2B& Nouri al-Maliki
says the movement of radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr will be barred
from taking part in the political process unless it disbands its Mahdi
Army Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says the militia of radical
Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr must disband if the movement wants to
join the political process.

Mr. Maliki told U.S. media Monday that al-Sadr's followers will not be
able to compete in upcoming elections unless the Mahdi Army disbands.

It was the first time Mr. Maliki has singled out the Mahdi Army in his
call for militias to lay down their weapons.

Al-Sadr's spokesmen immediately rejected the ultimatum. They said the
prime minister does not have the right to interfere in Iraq's election
process.

Al-Sadr's followers are planning to participate in provincial
elections later this year that could redistribute power in Iraq.

Iraqi and U.S. forces have been battling militiamen, mostly from the
Mahdi Army, for the past few weeks in Baghdad and the southern city of
Basra.







Smoke billows from the Shiite enclave of Sadr City after the Jamila
market caught fire following clashes, 06 Apr 2008A new round of
violence erupted in Baghdad's Sadr City district Sunday, killing at
least 22 people a week after al-Sadr had called a cease-fire.

U.S. officials say at least six American soldiers died in attacks and
roadside bombings Sunday.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said today
that Tehran is considering a request from the United States for a
fourth round of talks on Iraq's security situation.

The U.S. has not commented on the statement.

Washington accuses Iran of training and equipping Iraqi militants.
Tehran denies the charge.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.


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