al-Sadr spokesperson has denied (snub of) Bagdad delegation

[mom cat]

Security concerns delay Najaf talks


Wednesday 18 August 2004, 1:44 Makka Time, 22:44 GMT


Al-Sadr and aides are at present inside Najaf's Imam Ali shrine



Related:
Iraqi 'human shields' flock to Najaf
Al-Mahdi Army digs in, hopes for deal
Iraqi conference off to a shaky start



Tools:
Email Article
Print Article
Send Your Feedback



(MODS: I edited the very long title)

A Muqtada al-Sadr spokesperson has denied reports that the Shia leader snubbed the Baghdad delegation, citing security concerns as Najaf comes under renewed US shelling.

Ahmad Al-Shibani told Aljazeera that media reports that al-Sadr had refused to meet with the Iraqi National Conference delegation were false and fabricated.

"On the contrary, Muqtada al-Sadr has welcomed this delegation and has also welcomed any mediative efforts on the part of Pope John Paul II of the Vatican," al-Shibani told Aljazeera.

"However, we are under constant attack by US-led occupation forces and the security atmosphere did not facilitate a meeting with Muqtada al-Sadr".

There were unconfirmed attacks that the talks with the Baghdad delegation would be rescheduled.

Najaf governor Adnan al-Zirqi said he doubted the reasons given for the delay in the talks, but could not provide any evidence to support his claim.

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/E67F30B1-A57E-475C-B0A1-B3D2E04345BD.htm

[maxsolomon]

1. how is the army allowing MORE 'human shields' in?

or is this the old human shields?

jesus, throw cordon around that place! you have 150,000 troops!