HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: The top United Nations envoy in Iraq Ashraf Qazi met on Sunday with Marjay Ayatullah Sayyed Ali Al-Husseini As-Sistani in the holy city of Najaf that is home to the holy mausoleum of Master of Believers Al-Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (p).

Speaking at a news conference after the meeting, Qazi told reporters that he went to Holy Najaf for talks with the Marjay and conveyed to him message from UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan comprised of good wishes and thanks to Ayatullah As-Sistani for great role he played in the historic landmark elections.

During the meeting, the two men discussed political developments in the country as well as formation of a new government. The Marjay (top religious authority) called on Iraqis to lend a hand to security forces against terrorism and terrorists. He urged participation of all Iraqis in the government and writing of constitution.

Qazi said he had asked for the Ayatullah's thoughts about the political situation but had not offered any suggestions.

Meanwhile, office of Ayatullah As-Sistani has issued a fatwa in which he called on Iraqis to fully cooperate with security forces to curb terrorism and terrorists describing it ‘obligatory’.