Mehdi Army parade to reject US extension in Iraq

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Ahrar political bloc MP Hakim Al-Zamili declared that the parade due to be organized by Al-Mehdi Army on 25 May instant is “an expression of our rejection for U.S. forces to remain in Iraq.”   “A meeting shall be held with Baghdad Operations Command and the Office of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he added.  Zamili clarified to IraqiNews.com that “the Sadrist Trend discussed the parade question with Baghdad Operations Command and the Office of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Some approvals were granted. Another meeting will be held today.”  “The venue of the parade shall be in Sadr City, east of Baghdad,” he elaborated.   The Sadrist Trend, headed by Muqtada al-Sadr, called on Iraqis to stage a peaceful parade on 25 May, 2011 to reject the extension of U.S. military forces in Iraq after its deadline at the end of this year.  “This parade is for the benefit of Iraq, as it is a rejection for the U.S. to remain in Iraq more than the period stipulated in the agreement signed between the two sides”, he pointed out.  Zamili disclosed that the parade will not be armed or even military, but peaceful and civilian.  RM (TI)/SR 1148