BAGHDAD, Iraq: Mowaffaq Ar-Rubaie, Iraq's national security adviser has said that Al-Marje Al-Aala Sayyed Ali As-Sistani supports a government attempt to disarm the country's sectarian militias.

Talking to newsmen on Wednesday, Ar-Rubaie said he had secured Grand Ayatollah Sistani's support during a meeting in the holy city of Najaf on Wednesday.

He gave his assent as Iraq's government pushed ahead with a plan that will attempt to stabilize Baghdad, the country's capital, by disarming sectarian militias.

"His eminence As-Sistani recommended an emphasis on the implementation of the law without any discrimination based on identity or background," Rubaie said.

"He also asserted the need for weapons to be in the hands only of the state, and to disarm those holding weapons illegally."