US-Sadr mediation fails in Najaf

By: Ismail Zabeeh

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Backers of US-wanted cleric Moqtada As-Sadr said mediation efforts with the US-led coalition had failed and they feared American troops were poised to attack.

Talking to newsmen in this holy city, the head of Sadr's office Qais Al-Khazaali told: “Mediations with the US side have been halted because the mediators have told us the Americans are putting obstacles towards finding solutions to the crisis and the situation is getting worse.”

According to an AFP correspondent in the holy city occasional gunfire were heard in the direction of Bahr Al-Najaf, northwest of the city, where US troops are believed to be camped.

A representative of Ayatullah Ali As-Sistani warned coalition troops against entering the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf calling them “red lines.”

END

Sadr says “no compromise” as leaders warn US on Najaf

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: The chances of peaceful compromise appeared to dim after Moqtada As-Sadr vowed on Friday not to disband his Mehdi Army militia, a demand made by the US military which 2,500 troops have poised near the holy city of Najaf to kill or capture As-Sadr.

FULL STORY..

Get coalition forces withdrawn from Najaf, Moosavi demands Annan

RAWALPINDI, April 16: The Tehreek Nafaz-e-Fiqh-e-Jafariya Pakistan chief Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Moosavi while expressing grave anger and shock over American siege of Najaf-e-Ashraf has declared it an open challenge to the dignity and honour of the world of humanity and the Muslim Ummah in particular.

FULL STORY..