Cleric: Iraq's Sadr Turns Down Elders' Peace Appeal
By Khaled Yacoub Oweis
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Radical Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has turned down an appeal by Iraq (news - web sites)'s powerful Shi'ite Muslim establishment to renounce violence, an aide to a leading cleric said on Monday.
An aide to Mohammad Bahr al-Uloum, a member of the U.S.-installed Iraqi Governing Council, told Reuters Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, regarded as Iraq's most powerful cleric and a rival of Sadr's, supported the appeal.
Sistani has made declarations in the past calling on Iraqis to respect state institutions and public order. He has not spoken directly on the violence involving Sadr's supporters, but he is expected to make a statement in the next few days.
"The Hawza (seminary) is unanimous on this," the aide said.
"We asked Moqtada (al-Sadr) to stop resorting to violence, occupying public buildings and other actions that make him an outlaw. He insists on staying on the same course that could destroy the nation."
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"The delegation met Moqtada's aides, who did not express interest in relying on wisdom and patience," the aide said.
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