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27/08/2004
Annan welcomes Najaf peace deal
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has welcomed efforts by Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric to end the fighting in the holy city of Najaf.
Mr Annan said he was "encouraged" by the agreement brokered by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani to end weeks of fighting and halt hostilities in Najaf.
Voicing "great concern" over the high death toll in nearby Kufa and other cities, Mr Annan reiterated the world body's "readiness" to help the country's political transition.
Earlier this morning it was reported that militia loyal to the cleric Moqtada al Sadr had started handing over arms and leaving their Imam Ali Mosque stronghold.
However, Mr Annan said he was "greatly dismayed" by violent incidents in Kufa yesterday and other locations in Iraq, particularly by the high toll of dead and wounded, including civilian casualties.
The Secretary-General also called on all parties to honour their responsibilities under international humanitarian law, including their obligation to ensure "free and unhindered access of medical personnel and humanitarian aid to all areas in need".
(gmcg)
Mr Annan said he was "encouraged" by the agreement brokered by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani to end weeks of fighting and halt hostilities in Najaf.
Voicing "great concern" over the high death toll in nearby Kufa and other cities, Mr Annan reiterated the world body's "readiness" to help the country's political transition.
Earlier this morning it was reported that militia loyal to the cleric Moqtada al Sadr had started handing over arms and leaving their Imam Ali Mosque stronghold.
However, Mr Annan said he was "greatly dismayed" by violent incidents in Kufa yesterday and other locations in Iraq, particularly by the high toll of dead and wounded, including civilian casualties.
The Secretary-General also called on all parties to honour their responsibilities under international humanitarian law, including their obligation to ensure "free and unhindered access of medical personnel and humanitarian aid to all areas in need".
(gmcg)
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US forces clash with militants in Najaf
The lull in the fighting between Coalition forces and militia loyal to the radical cleric Moqtada Al Sadr ended today as US troops fought their way into the holy city of Najaf. US tanks moved into the outskirts of the city and set up roadblocks on roads between Najaf and Kufa.
US forces clash with militants in Najaf
The lull in the fighting between Coalition forces and militia loyal to the radical cleric Moqtada Al Sadr ended today as US troops fought their way into the holy city of Najaf. US tanks moved into the outskirts of the city and set up roadblocks on roads between Najaf and Kufa.
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