Shiite Cleric Al-Sadr Calls for Weekly Protests Against U.S.-Iraqi Security Agreement
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Anti-U.S. Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is calling on followers to hold weekly protests against a long-term security deal that the Iraqi government and U.S. are negotiating.
The security agreement aims at setting the terms for a long-term, reduced U.S. military presence in Iraq after the bulk of American forces withdraw. Al-Sadr sharply opposes the U.S. presence and his Mahdi Army militia has frequently attacked U.S. troops.
A statement from al-Sadr says Iraqis should hold demonstrations every week after Friday prayers in every part of the country "until further notice or until the agreement is canceled."
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The statement Tuesday also demands that any agreement reached with the Americans be put to a popular referendum.