Iraq: Radical cleric calls on supporters to resist US

Radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr today issued a statement calling on his supporters to resist US forces in Iraq, and a local militia commander blamed an attack against the mayor of Sadr City on a faction unhappy about cooperation with Americans.

“The occupiers want to harm this beloved (Sadr City) and tarnish its name by spreading false rumours and allegations that negotiations and cooperation are ongoing between you and them,” Sheikh Haider al-Jabri said in reading a statement from al-Sadr to worshippers in the main Shiite district in Baghdad.