HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: At a rare meeting with journalists at his home on Sunday, Al-Marjay Al-Aa’la Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Al-Husseini As-Sistani dispelled reports of being seriously ill.

An AFP correspondent who was among those who gathered at Sistani's house in the central holy city of Najaf said the Ayatollah appeared to be in good health and did not seek any aid during the encounter, which lasted almost 15 minutes.

Talking to reporters, the 78-year-old religious leader said: "There are reports about my health which have worried the believers. These are incorrect."

"I urge the journalists to report the reality," he said in a slow but steady voice.

Wearing a traditional religious robe cloaked with a black abaya, as well as a black turban, Sistani praised local journalists as being "courageous and honest sons of Najaf."

"I have lived in Najaf for more than 50 years... from before Saddam, during the royalty and also after that. I have seen the courage of the sons of Najaf and I pray for the best for you," he said.

At the end of the meeting, Sistani stood up unassisted as journalists left the compound.