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01/09/2003
Al-Jazeera broadcasts ‘Saddam’ denial of cleric slaying
An Arabic language television station, al-Jazeera, has broadcast a pre-recorded message claimed to be from Saddam Hussein in which the former Iraqi leader denies involvement in the killing of a top Shia cleric last Friday.
Ayatollah Muhammad Baqr al-Hakim was among almost 100 people killed when a car bomb exploded in the city of Najaf in central Iraq on Friday.
According to the taped message, the “infidel invaders” had no justification for accusing the followers of Saddam Hussein of the killing.
The message was broadcast as thousands of Iraq’s Shia Muslims gathered to honour their religious leader today as the funeral procession continued on its way to the holy city of Najaf.
The car bomb was alleged to have been the work of Saddam loyalists and the Ayatollah’s death is viewed as a blow to the coalition as he had been seen as broadly in favour of co-operating with the US forces in Iraq.
The killing prompted the senior Shia cleric in Iraq Ayatollah Ali Sistani to repeat calls for the local security to be reinforced, and blamed poor coalition security for continued crime.
However, there are signs that some local involvement in Iraq may develop following the naming of an Iraqi ministerial cabinet – a move viewed as a crucial step forward in restoring a central government.
Weeks of wrangling have been involved as leaders sought to accommodate the various religious and political factions in Iraq and form the basis for a government structure following the removal of the previous regime.
Among the groups involved at ministerial level are Shia Muslims, Sunni Muslims, Kurds, Assyrian Christians and Turkmen.
(SP)
Ayatollah Muhammad Baqr al-Hakim was among almost 100 people killed when a car bomb exploded in the city of Najaf in central Iraq on Friday.
According to the taped message, the “infidel invaders” had no justification for accusing the followers of Saddam Hussein of the killing.
The message was broadcast as thousands of Iraq’s Shia Muslims gathered to honour their religious leader today as the funeral procession continued on its way to the holy city of Najaf.
The car bomb was alleged to have been the work of Saddam loyalists and the Ayatollah’s death is viewed as a blow to the coalition as he had been seen as broadly in favour of co-operating with the US forces in Iraq.
The killing prompted the senior Shia cleric in Iraq Ayatollah Ali Sistani to repeat calls for the local security to be reinforced, and blamed poor coalition security for continued crime.
However, there are signs that some local involvement in Iraq may develop following the naming of an Iraqi ministerial cabinet – a move viewed as a crucial step forward in restoring a central government.
Weeks of wrangling have been involved as leaders sought to accommodate the various religious and political factions in Iraq and form the basis for a government structure following the removal of the previous regime.
Among the groups involved at ministerial level are Shia Muslims, Sunni Muslims, Kurds, Assyrian Christians and Turkmen.
(SP)
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19 July 2004
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
24 October 2003
Security will determine UN's involvement in Iraq, says official
A top UN humanitarian official has told the Iraq donors’ conference in Madrid that security is “the single most important factor” shaping the world body’s work in the country.
Security will determine UN's involvement in Iraq, says official
A top UN humanitarian official has told the Iraq donors’ conference in Madrid that security is “the single most important factor” shaping the world body’s work in the country.
22 February 2006
Blast wrecks Shia shrine
Bombers have seriously damaged one of Shia Islam's most holy sites in Iraq. The al-Askari shrine in Samarra was severely damaged in an early morning raid carried out by two bombers. The shrine's golden dome was blasted off in the attack and there have been reports of reprisal raids on Sunni holy sites in other parts of the country.
Blast wrecks Shia shrine
Bombers have seriously damaged one of Shia Islam's most holy sites in Iraq. The al-Askari shrine in Samarra was severely damaged in an early morning raid carried out by two bombers. The shrine's golden dome was blasted off in the attack and there have been reports of reprisal raids on Sunni holy sites in other parts of the country.
06 April 2005
Kurd leader chosen as new Iraq president
Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani has been chosen by the new Iraq parliament to become the country's first democratically elected president. The country's former president, Ghazi al Yawar, a Sunni Arab and Shia Adel Abdel Mahdi, were named as Mr Talabani's vice presidents.
Kurd leader chosen as new Iraq president
Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani has been chosen by the new Iraq parliament to become the country's first democratically elected president. The country's former president, Ghazi al Yawar, a Sunni Arab and Shia Adel Abdel Mahdi, were named as Mr Talabani's vice presidents.
15 December 2003
Iraq is likely location for tyrant's trial
The trial of Saddam Hussein should be held in Iraq, amongst Iraqi people, and Britain would not object to the execution of the former dictator if that is the judgment of the court, according to government sources today.
Iraq is likely location for tyrant's trial
The trial of Saddam Hussein should be held in Iraq, amongst Iraqi people, and Britain would not object to the execution of the former dictator if that is the judgment of the court, according to government sources today.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
