Najaf's leaders call on al-Sadr to end standoff - The Washington Times: World - April 22, 2004 NAJAF, Iraq (AP) — Tribal leaders in the Shi'ite holy city of Najaf yesterday called on an anti-American cleric's militia to end its standoff with U.S. troops.
The statement, signed by 25 tribal leaders, was the first direct call by residents of Najaf for Sheik Muqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi's Army to put down its weapons.
"To all armed people in the holy city of Najaf: After the failure of peaceful efforts and increasing tension in the city, we ask you in the name of Islam to preserve the holiness of the city," the one-page statement said.
"We call upon you to leave matters to Iraqi officials and legitimate authorities so that the blood of innocent people is not shed," it said. "We call on you to take your responsibilities in front of God and in front of society."
The statement, signed by 25 tribal leaders, was the first direct call by residents of Najaf for Sheik Muqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi's Army to put down its weapons.
"To all armed people in the holy city of Najaf: After the failure of peaceful efforts and increasing tension in the city, we ask you in the name of Islam to preserve the holiness of the city," the one-page statement said.
"We call upon you to leave matters to Iraqi officials and legitimate authorities so that the blood of innocent people is not shed," it said. "We call on you to take your responsibilities in front of God and in front of society."
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