BAGHDAD, Iraq: Sayyed Abdel Aziz Al-Hakim, head of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq and son of late Grand Marjay (top religious authority) of Shia world Sayyed Mohsin At-Tabatabai Al-Hakim, called on all religious Sunni and Shia clerics to stand unitedly against violence aimed at the nation.

In a statement addressed to the whole Iraqi nation issued on May 19, Rabi`os Sanee 11, Al-Hakim said the country is passing through a very critical situation which demands wisdom, sagacity and vigilance on part of all Iraqis for interest of motherland.

The statement which began with a Quranic verse “and you all hold tightly the rope of Allah, and do not dissent”, said that preserving unity and fighting against any attempts at discord that aim to divide Iraqis and pushing the country into war are from the top most religious and national priorities.

In this critical situation, Al-Hakim said, we considering it our legal and religious duty warn our people against presence of rift-creating attempts which are designed and enriched with money by foreign elements that do not desire welfare of Iraqis, and are implemented by organizations inside Iraq.

Al-Hakim said we in order to foil conspiracies of enemies remained patient over terrorism in Holy Najaf, Karbala, Kazemiyah, Hillah, Mosul, Madain and in other cities of motherland in which thousands of innocents were martyred and places of worship i.e. mosques, husseiniyaat and churches were destructed.

He paid tributes to Al-Marja’iyah Ad-Diniyah in Holy Najaf for playing role to unite the whole nation.

“I call on all Iraqis not to give in to these attempts. I call on all religious Sunni and Shia clerics to stand against heinous plans that aim at tearing Iraqi unity,” Al-Hakim said.

Al-Hakim said all those elements, who are throwing spears of blames to peace-loving forces whose sacrifices for unity of people were witnessed by the history, must take their blames back and fear Allah. They must also be known that it is not media but institutions of justice that are place to throw such allegations. He also urged the government to take notice of such allegations and nab all those involved in terror crimes.

He expressed his confidence that believers, wise men and nobles who desire welfare of this country and the people will not be affected by such evil calls.

He concluded the statement with prayers for safety of Iraq and its people.