Irak

[Seccad]

Sistani warns UN on new constitution

[Bild: http://www.iribnews.ir/newspic/04/06/08/...i1-jam.jpg]


09:02:19 Þ.Ù
Tehran, June 8 - Ayatollah Sistani has warned UN not to mention Iraq's interim constitution in its imminent resolution.

Ayatullah Sistani's office in a statement said any reference to the interim constitution is illegal and rejected by a majority of Iraqis.

The statement dated June 6th said any attempt to give it legitimacy by mentioning it in the new resolution could have dangerous consequences.

The United Nations Security Council is expected to pass a resolution ahead of the June 30th handover of power in Iraq as soon as Tuesday.

Ayatullah Sistani warned the interim constitution imposes restrictions on the national government which will be elected in 2005 and must draft the constitution.

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Army keep to protect Najaf shrine

[Bild: http://www.iribnews.ir/newspic/04/06/08/`iraq.jpg]

10:23:57 Þ.Ù
Najaf, June 8 - Shiite Muslim gunmen vowed Monday not to withdraw from the most sacred shrine in the holy city of Najaf until a democratic Iraqi government takes power in January 2005.

"If America promises to handover sovereignty and Iraqis start to get what they need, the Mehdi army will recognise the legitimate government," main Sadr spokesman Sheikh Ahmed Shaibani said.

"The Mehdi army will withdraw from the whole field if the Americans keep their promises and allow a democratic government. If we get real promises and real agreements, the issue can be addressed," he added.

Sadr's forces ceded most of central Najaf to the Iraqi police except for the area around the Imam Ali complex, one of the most revered spots in the Shiite faith.